Governor Makes Amendments to Pot Bill

 Governor Brian Schweitzer, in a letter to Senate President Jim Peterson suggesting amendments to Senate Bill 423, the Medical Marijuana bill..said he was disappointed in this legislature in not addressing the issue and having a bill to his desk before the end of the session. The Governor wrote that the bill is unconstitutional, in that it fails to address privacy concerns. He also writes that authorities having the right to inspect private grow facilities also invades the right to privacy. The Governor feels that the State Department of Health and Human Services is the only agency capable of administering the law. He also writes that the bill makes access to medical marijuana too difficult for patients who are seriously ill. He suggests that the Legislature consider his amendments before adjourning, to give the citizens of the state a bill that will address all the issues regarding medical marijuana.