Judge Blocks Parts Of Montana Medical Marijuana Law

A judge has temporarily blocked Montana from enforcing a new law ending commercial medical marijuana operations.

Helena District Judge James Reynolds issued a preliminary injunction Thursday to block portions of a restrictive overhaul of state law. Part of that law would have prevented marijuana providers from making a profit or distributing pot to more than three registered users.

Reynolds also blocked provisions of the law banning advertising of medical marijuana services, allowing unannounced searches of providers and requiring an investigation into any doctor who recommends marijuana for more than 25 patients in a year.

The overhaul passed by the 2011 Legislature aims to rein in what lawmakers called an out-of-control industry.

The Montana Cannabis Industry Association sued, saying the restrictions are unconstitutional.

Associated Press