HELENA – A measure to repeal Montana’s medical marijuana law has stalled in a state Senate committee.
House Speaker Mike Milburn’s House Bill 161 was rejected Monday on a 6-6 vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Most legislators say something should be done to rein in the state’s marijuana industry. They say the boom in patients and providers has gone beyond the intention of the 2004 voter initiative approving the law.
But many senators from both parties are opposed to an outright repeal. They say they cannot go against the will of the people and deny patients a medicine they say improves lives.
Republican Committee Chairman Sen. Terry Murphy voted against the measure and says the panel will look into creating a reform bill to tighten regulation of the industry.