HELENA – The Senate narrowly endorsed a bill that would increase the amount of medical marijuana caregivers and patients can hold.
Senate Bill 326 squeaked by in a 25-24 vote Saturday. If it passes its next Senate vote, it will move to the House.
The bill increases the amount of marijuana it is legal to hold for medical purposes from one ounce to three ounces.
It also clarifies existing medical marijuana law to make a distinction between mature and immature plants. Under the change, people growing medical marijuana can now have up to 14 plants, with only six at a mature, flowering stage.
The measure is sponsored by Democratic Sen. Ron Erickson of Missoula, who says the changes are needed to ensure patients relying on marijuana for pain relief are not without medicine.
Voters passed the medical marijuana initiative in 2004.