Bozeman – For the owner of spark1, a medical marijuana dispensary in Bozeman, his concerns about recent changes in marijuana laws are directed towards his patients rather than his own business.
Recent changes in Montana marijuana laws only allow providers to care for three patients, and the rest must find an alternate provider or self grow.
“Growing cannabis isn’t as easy as a lot of people think, and also there’s a period of time that it takes to get a mature plant with a useable product for them, said Spark1 Owner Bob Devine.
It takes about 4 months from start to finish to grow the product and even then patients may not be growing the same strains they are used to buying from a dispensary. Additionally, for self growers that don’t own their own home, they must get permission from a landlord to grow.
“There’s a learning curve, just like anything else and for someone to think they can just plant a plant and get a tangible product in the end is going to take some time, Devine said.
Devine still provides for himself and two additional patients, discontinuing service for hundreds of other people, some of whom have serious illnesses such as multiple sclerosis or cancer. For some, self growing may not be a viable option.
“To think that everyone has time to do this or a loved one who will do it for them is once again realistic, Devine said.
Law enforcement also faces changes in enforcing the law changes.
We’re certainly not going to take a proactive approach, in other words we’re not going to go out and start banging on doors. It’ll be more reactive to the community, it’ll be driven by community, said Capt. Jake Wagner, commander of the Missouri River Drug Task Force.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Reactions
Author: Lena Blietz
Contact: 406-496-8400
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: KXLF
