Documentary Examines Impact Of Medical Marijuana In Montana

"Cannabusiness," a University of Montana student documentary film that focuses on the personal and professional issues surrounding medical marijuana in Big Sky Country, will premiere on MontanaPBS at 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 25.

Sixty-two percent of Montanans voted for the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes in 2004. Since then, the number of medical marijuana caregivers and patients in Montana has exploded. There currently are 12,081 patients and 2,797 caregivers in the state, according to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services.

The legalization of medical marijuana has created a lot of business in Montana, and a lot of problems. As traveling clinics make medical marijuana cards more readily available to walk-in patients, authorities struggle to regulate the use and distribution of the legalized drug. Some cardholders see medical marijuana as a cure to their disease and a more satisfying alternative to heavy prescription narcotics. Others see medical marijuana as Montana's No. 1 cash crop — a cannabusiness.

Nineteen students from the radio-television department in the UM School of Journalism interviewed doctors, legislators, police officers, caregivers, patients and community members about the impact of medical marijuana on their lives. The interviews reveal how Montana residents are struggling to find a balance among the business, health and legal issues involved with medical marijuana in their communities.


NewsHawk: Ganjarden: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: News Channel 13
Contact: News Channel 13
Copyright: 2010 News Channel 13
Website: Documentary examines impact of medical marijuana in Montana
 
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