BOZEMAN, MT -- (Marketwire) -- 01/29/11 -- "Medical Cannabis dispensed to licensed patients in Montana should be provided only by licensed Montana caregivers, with medical product grown only in Montana," states Jim Gingery, Executive Director of the Montana Medical Growers Association (MMGA). "There is a difference between medical cannabis and street drug marijuana. In Montana, we cultivate quality medical cannabis under appropriate agricultural guidelines and any street marijuana being imported from other states must be stopped. These people need to be stopped so that legitimate caregiver-providers can continue to provide quality, safe medicine to their patients. We've been hearing rumors that there may be marijuana crossing state lines by the black market again. This has nothing to do with the responsible caregivers in Montana. We support Law Enforcement's efforts to ensure that only Montana-grown medical cannabis is available for our patients."
"A resolution passed at a recent board meeting of the MMGA denounced any import or export of product. It is against Federal law and we encourage the full prosecution of anyone involved," said Gingery. "We certainly hope that no one associated with the MMGA is involved in any illegal import or export. They will immediately be banned from the organization if they are."
"The actions of a select few have caused blight on this new growing agricultural industry," said Gingery. "From profiteers helping unqualified patients receive medical recommendations to illegal importing or exporting of marijuana, these very people have caused a backlash against patients and legitimate caregivers in the State."
With several bills slated to be heard by the new session of the Legislature, the MMGA has been at the forefront of recommending appropriate sideboards to the current law, offering recommendations on establishing a licensing and regulatory board, a seed to cultivation closed loop tracking system, a Code of Ethics for caregivers and a Patient Standard of Care. Montana caregivers are determining which varieties of cannabis are appropriate for different medical conditions, making the State a leader in the country in research and patient care.
The Montana Medical Growers Association represents legal, ethical, licensed patients and caregivers in Montana assuring that the interests of all involved in the industry are protected. The mission of the Association is to provide a voice for medical cannabis cultivators, support superior patient care and product quality, and promote the lawful and ethical conduct of our members.
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