So it was little wonder the Montana Legislature sought to crack down on rampant abuse of the state’s medical marijuana law. It was disappointing, however, that instead of improving the law, legislators sought to override the will of the voters and just repeal it. In fact, a repeal bill was passed in 2011, only to be vetoed by then-Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

Unfortunately, a bill considered the next-closest thing to repeal was allowed to become law without the governor’s signature. Senate Bill 423 was challenged in court almost immediately, and has spent the last several years being picked apart by lawyers. Meanwhile, some of the most contentious portions of the bill were delayed from taking effect. This year, the parts of SB 423 that had been held up in court were finally allowed to take effect.

The ensuing fallout has marked a shameful chapter in Montana’s history. Thousands of our seriously ill family members, friends and neighbors are suffering needlessly, unable to legally access relief for their worst symptoms. Many are turning in desperation to powerful, addicting narcotics that may offer pain relief but do not help with other symptoms, such as nausea, and have scary side effects of their own. Take improperly, these drugs can cause serious damage and even death – something that is not true for cannabis.