To get 15 percent of 51 districts, backers will need between 31,238 and 43,247 signatures, depending on which districts the signatures are gathered in. Using the districts with the fewest voters would require 31,238. Using the districts with more voters would require 43,247 signatures, McCulloch’s election staff calculated.

“The numbers are, of course, good news,” said Kate Cholewa, spokeswoman for the Montana Cannabis Industry Association. “We believed we needed in the ballpark of 100,000 signatures, and we feel confident we could get them. Maybe we still will. Citizens are chomping at the bit to sign something to stop the destruction of the medical marijuana program in Montana. The outpouring of civic involvement is impressive.”

Even so, those running signature campaigns usually try to exceed the required goal by some amount, such as 20 percent, to make up for any disqualified signatures by people who aren’t registered voters.

The group also raised $50,000 in less than a week to hire James Goetz, a prominent Bozeman lawyer, who will file a lawsuit challenging SB423. The Cannabis Industry Association wants to stop the law from being implemented, which would give supporters time to gather the signatures.