State OKs petitions for initiative to block new marijuana statute

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The state formally approved the petitions Tuesday to clear the way for medical marijuana advocates to begin gathering signatures in their attempt to suspend the more restrictive 2011 law and let voters decide its fate next year.

In the meantime, a decision is expected by Thursday by District Judge James Reynolds of Helena on the Cannabis Industry Association’s attempt to temporarily block the tougher new medical marijuana law passed earlier this year from taking effect Friday. Reynolds said at the conclusion of the three-day hearing last week that he expected to have an order out by Thursday, but not perhaps a full decision until later.

The association contended the law is unconstitutional and should be temporarily enjoined. The state attorney general’s office, charged with defending the law, disagreed, but its lawyers conceded that three or four parts may not meet constitutional muster for purposes of this case.

Reynolds strongly hinted to lawyers at the hearing that he may temporarily block certain parts of the law, if not the entire statute.

http://helenair.com/news/article_9fae29c4-a217-11e0-ab20-001cc4c03286.html