By Alana Listoe | Originally post on helenair.com on October 11, 2010
MONTANA — Medical marijuana patients, caregivers and supporters from around the state spent Sunday in Helena asking questions and listening to panel discussions about the medicinal plant that’s generated significant interest since voter approval in 2004.
They’ll continue today for the second day of the Montana Medical Growers Association annual meeting and symposium at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel. The event is free and open to the public and runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We are serious about this as an industry; we need to be serious about participation as individuals,” said Executive Director Jim Gingery. “We want the black market to go away because we want to be able to grow it in Montana.”
Sessions were held throughout the first day on the medical and scientific benefits, legal considerations and delivery methods. Topics today will include agriculture, business operations and communications.
At the end of Gingery’s opening comments, he set out to dispel rumors about medical marijuana.
There are rumors that caregivers are treating hundreds of patients, but the facts are that only 2 percent have over 41 patients; 24 percent have four to 40 patients; and 73 percent have three patients or fewer, a slide Gingery presented to the crowd read. There’s a rumor that school-aged children are getting medical cards at record number, but the fact is there are 44 card holders 18 or younger in Montana.
Education is key, said Tayln Lang, chapter director of MMGA Missoula.
“I’d never want to go into combat without the proper gear and knowing what I’m up against,” Lang said. “This will help people get what they need in our industry and outside our industry.”
Read the rest of the story at: helenair.com
