Question from Montana

[Frangible]

We just got our medical marijuana initiative passed... what does this mean for us? Do the feds / DEA still arrest people even if it's prescribed by a doctor? Does this really change anything?

[Tempest]

1. Meaningless

You'll still be raided and arrested by the DEA.

The problem in Montana is that you don't have a liberal district court to defend your right like California does.

So basically, the initiative is meaningless.

[Frangible]

2. Ok, thanks

That's too bad. But to be expected I guess. Things are changing in Montana though... we now have a democratic governor and all dem state reps from my area.

[bemildred]

3. The Feds have mostly given up in California.

Harassment of stores still occurs, but there are many people
that get a prescription and grow their own or coop with friends,
and nothing happens to them.

I don't expect a lot of time will be spent hunting people down
in Montana, more publicity is not what is wanted. A good deal
could depend on the attitude of the police up there, a certain
amount of "education" was required here, in some parts of the
state.

[slackmaster]

4. Imagine two freight trains heading for each other on the same track

One train is your medical MJ initiative. The other is the federal government.

The trains are not moving very fast, but there isn't enough time to avoid a slow-motion head-on collision that will seem to go on for an eternity.

That's what it's like here in California.

My advice to people who want to use cannabis for medicinal purposes: Just do it quietly and keep your mouth shut about it. Grow your own and share with others. Don't make a martyr of yourself unless you have the time and money and that's really what you want to do; but think of what your act of disobedience against the feds will do to your family first.

[bemildred]

5. Good advice. nt

[Ranec]

6. I think Bush is more eager to go after Californians

It makes better news with his buddies to arrest people in San Francisco.

Montana is full of people with better "moral values."

Sorry to be so cynical. It is still early.