[squatter420]

How did you find your way to Weedtracker? What are the issues that most frustrate or impede your use and access to medicine? What would you like to see change in MT regarding MMJ?

[MountainCrow]

Hello Everyone,

I am a care giver for my step-mother and I live in Southwestern Montana. My step-mom has chronic back pain and glaucoma. She has been on a litany of narcotic prescriptions for years, and for the last few years those meds haven't helped her a whole lot. A major concern for us lately has been her weight loss, and MJ seems to be one of the few meds that handles the pain and keeps her appetite strong.

I found Weedtracker through mtmjpatients.org. The issues that have been the most frustrating for us in accessing medical MJ have been access to seeds and the worry of federal arrest.

Watching what happened in California earlier this year somewhat scared the beejezus out of me (I don't want the federal government to take my home because I'm growing medicine for my step-mom). We've had access to seeds through a couple of companies in the U.K., but again, its a concern that they might be intercepted by the feds (I hate going to my P.O. box after I order, I keep expecting a swat team to swoop down on me as soon as I put the key in the box).

However, there are alot of bright spots regarding this struggle such as the ruling in Oregon striking down the Feds request for subpoenas.

Either way, I look forward to exchanging ideas and stories with others who have similar struggles and circumstances.

Take Care,

MC

[BabyBoomer]

MountainCrow,
Thank you so much for posting.
So I guess you do not have dispensaries that you can go to for buying your medication? You have to grow your own? And, of course, the feds think that is illegal. Bet the Feds pass right by a meth lab to handcuff a dying patient.
Please keep us updated.
Sending cyber hugs and positive energy.
BabyBoomer

Welcome to the site MountainCrow! Glad to have ya! It's always exciting to see new members from out of state.

I hope you can find the info and support you need here.

All the best,
Z

Welcome MountainCrow! I just returned from Missoula and am already missing the Big Sky feeling. let us know if you have any questions. Again, welcome to the WTer family!

[zutnick]

Sounds like things are getting better in Montana. I lived in Bozeman for years and had friends go to prison for medicine. Welcome to our board and Good Luck

[mtcaregiver]

I'm from Southwest MT. County 13.

Just checking in.

Went to the Hempfest in Missoula yesterday. What a time. Good music, good people, good weather.

[MountainCrow]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

No, we don't have dispensaries here in Montana, we're allowed up to six plants and one ounce off the plant. Which means we're growing our own, thankfully I have green thumbs.

I've heard from a couple different people that Hempfest in Missoula this weekend was a good time. Sorry I missed it, but I had prior commitments that I couldn't ignore. Next year I'll be there.

MC

[squatter420]

Hey, MontainCrow and MTcargiver. It sounds like you two are darn near neighbors. It's really good to hear from others here in MT. There is a fairly high number of patients in your area considering the population density.

Once you have been on WT seven days and have I think it is 25 posts you will get a private mailbox. Then we can begin to get things done, like aiding one another a little easier. So in the interim post to other threads that interest you or the music threads are easy post counts, but try to get 25 posts by the seventh day, to hasten the process.

[squatter420]

Originally Posted by MountainCrow

Hello Everyone,

I am a care giver for my step-mother and I live in Southwestern Montana. My step-mom has chronic back pain and glaucoma. She has been on a litany of narcotic prescriptions for years, and for the last few years those meds haven't helped her a whole lot. A major concern for us lately has been her weight loss, and MJ seems to be one of the few meds that handles the pain and keeps her appetite strong.

I found Weedtracker through mtmjpatients.org. The issues that have been the most frustrating for us in accessing medical MJ have been access to seeds and the worry of federal arrest.

Watching what happened in California earlier this year somewhat scared the beejezus out of me (I don't want the federal government to take my home because I'm growing medicine for my step-mom). We've had access to seeds through a couple of companies in the U.K., but again, its a concern that they might be intercepted by the feds (I hate going to my P.O. box after I order, I keep expecting a swat team to swoop down on me as soon as I put the key in the box).

However, there are alot of bright spots regarding this struggle such as the ruling in Oregon striking down the Feds request for subpoenas.

Either way, I look forward to exchanging ideas and stories with others who have similar struggles and circumstances.

Take Care,

MC

At this point mtmjpatients.org is the only organization in the State of MT that is trying to help and organize patients and their caregivers. If you haven't already done so, send them an email and you will be contacted about future patient and caregiver meetings.

I just recently came from CA and while there is some risk, we are winning in CA. They have little to no chance of putting the MMJ genie back in the bottle. Things are changing here in MT as well. People are overcoming their fear and moving forward to address their health care needs despite the Federal bluster. In many ways they are, just a paper tiger.

[Sumari1]

Hey and Welcome, you guys! I spent a few days in Hamilton, gorgeous country! Glad to have you here. I just saw a WT post by a L.A. coop advertising seeds, it's tagged under "seedsmenu" I think. Anyhow, be good to each other and say Hi to the mountains and trees and fish for me;)

Peace,
Sumarione

[mtcaregiver]

A quick check with Roy over in Helena shows 45 patients in Ravalli county as of July, 2007. I personally know a few more that have been added since that time.

Weather is beautiful today. I'll be heading up Darby way today. Some real nice outdoor progress in that area. The c-o-o-l nights are giving a very nice shade of purple to the girls in that area.

WOW 25 posts in 7 days ! I probably wouldn't have that much to say in a month.

[squatter420]

Yes the numbers of patients is growing and the rate of increase is accelerating as well. The biggest problem is getting forms to patients, and educating both potential patients and physicians. I think a full page ad with the forms would expand the patient base considerably.

[sisterearth420]

DPHHS – QUALITY ASSURANCE DIVISION
MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES INTERIM COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT
SEPTEMBER 12, 2007


Pursuant to MCA 50-46-103(9) The department shall report annually to the legislature the number of applications for registry identification cards, the number of qualifying patients and caregivers approved, the nature of the debilitating medical conditions of the qualifying patients, the number of registry identification cards revoked, and the number of physicians providing written certification for qualifying patients. The department may not provide any identifying information of qualifying patients, caregivers, or physicians.

On January 21, 2005, the first Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) registry identification cards were issued to 26 qualifying patients and eight caregivers. Since the start of the program in November 2004, 447 application packets have been sent out with 413 applications received. As of September 7, 2007, the following information is provided as required for the MMP:
• 428 approved qualifying patients
• 161 approved registered caregivers
• 2 minors approved
• 130 physicians providing written certification for qualifying patients
• 38 counties with qualifying patients
• 4 registry identification cards revoked
• 2 qualifying patients have died
• 33 qualifying patient cards have lapsed, (not renewed)

[MountainCrow]

Thanks for that good info Sisterearth. I wouldn't have thought that the numbers were that high. I'm suprised at how many people have no idea even where to start to become registered.

MC

[squatter420]

Educating potential patients and making the two forms widely available is key to expanding that awareness here in MT. Word of mouth has been the primary way people have found out how the process works here. Organized, systematic distribution of information packets with the forms included, seems like the thing needed to speed things up in my opinion now. Something that could be distributed to both medical professionals and patients.

[May59840]

I'm haveing a hard time navigating the site. Is there an easier way to go straight to the montana forum? Or maybe better question is what is the short cut.

One note. I have found resitance to MMJ program from some 'old timers" I think it's because they are afraid the med people will take the over the market in providing medinice. We of course could care less what they do because our only goal is to get the right medince to the right person on time when needed, within affordable means. We are not into the money. Other thoughts?

[BabyBoomer]

Originally Posted by May59840

I'm haveing a hard time navigating the site. Is there an easier way to go straight to the montana forum? Or maybe better question is what is the short cut.

One note. I have found resitance to MMJ program from some 'old timers" I think it's because they are afraid the med people will take the over the market in providing medinice. We of course could care less what they do because our only goal is to get the right medince to the right person on time when needed, within affordable means. We are not into the money. Other thoughts?

Hope this helps you out.

Make a short cut to this:
http://www.weedtracker.com/forums/fo...tana-1085.html

and just log on to that. You can put the link on your desk top, or favorite links, or . . . . .

Also as you get use to the site navigations, it will be easier for you.

Hope this helps you, May59840.

Cyber Hugs,

BabyBoomer

[MountainCrow]

Hello May59840. I agree that there is some resistance to MMJ use in Montana. I think alot of the resistance comes from people not being educated about MMJ, relying instead on the propaganda that most of us had crammed down our throats while we were in grade school and high school.

The people that need MMJ for an illness, or have a loved one that uses MMJ, understand that MMJ is a necessity.

Now we just need to get more people to understand.

MC

[weedtracker]

is montana a very conservative state?

[silvercloud]

Correct if mistaken ,but hasn't Montana had a 'hemp' Farming Bill rejected by congress for many years now ... w/ winter severe weather patterns ,there is little else that would grow / add to the economy ... our past Rep.Congress saw no benefit in the usefulness of 'commercial hemp' ... certainly ,THC ( >3%) content wasn't of concern ,chalk it off to the 'industrial lobbyists' ( Dow , Monsanto , polyethlenes ,etc) ...

MMJ Movement is still in it's 'infant' stage ... this weekend ",60 Minutes" exposure will give a 'mainstream boost' of awareness , at least ,giving the 'masses' something to 'subconsciously' retain for future reference .....

[HappaGuy]

Mountaincrow, welcome.

I am so pleased to see you and the patients in the State of Montana join the family of those who may (more or less) legally enjoy the amazing medical benefits of cannabis.

Again, welcome. Together we are stronger.

May your hardship pass as easily as a frown is blown away by a bowl of fine Kush.

[squatter420]

Montana has a State Hemp law passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. They need Federal DEA permits which have been requested but no response from the DEA to date.

[HBMT]

wow ... im lookin forward ta kickin up some dirt ... i see in our future a network of care-givers that can wholesale amongst each other to insure patients are getting a steady supply of medicine,then theres dispenserys (they left the law wide open for it) this shouldnt be to diff. ive got the ringer ticket ta do this and working in that direction every day, ill share this with all of ya once its bin set in motion ,,, ..
those stats where great, would like ta see more stuff like that.
as far as aplications ive bin copping them and sendin them out left and right, i dont always get the patient but im lookin ta help first and reap what is sewn from that. i got packets i can mail out to any-body you know that would need them ..
i also have access to comercial recording studio if ya know any radio stations that would air comercials in yer area, i can help get that headed in yer direction.. i think i found a carrot they cant stop chassing,

HB

[inpainismyname]

Hello MOUNTAIN CROW I have also had trouble especially with doctors. I have been on pain meds for many years and have seen many doctors that just said no no no here are more pills but finally there was one that understood and he said I wish those others would just liten-up but they work for big clinics and just dont want there name out or have been told to just say no.I think thats wrong and the state or dhhs should be able to look at ones health issues and say yes or no as people are at there doctors mercy and personal opinion and if he is not with the progam the paitent is out of luck and must suffer!