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Committee backs bill allowing medical marijuana cardholders to pick up monthly allotment at once
Summary
Supporters — including patients, clinicians and industry groups — told the House Judiciary Committee HB 748 would ease access for older and rural medical cardholders by permitting patients to receive their monthly allotment in a single trip, a temporary policy the state used during COVID.
Representative Mary Cafero opened House Bill 748, stressing that it applies only to medical marijuana cardholders and would permit patients to take their full monthly allotment in a single visit (a temporary COVID‑era accommodation). She said the bill "doesn't cost money, it doesn't save money," and that state tracking and purchase limits remain unchanged.
Patients and owners described mobility and rural‑access problems: Jeff Erickson (a cardholder using cannabis for Crohn's disease and migraines) said weekly trips were burdensome for many older patients; Erin Bolster, a dispensary owner, described clients for whom a single‑trip pickup would be life‑changing. The Montana Cannabis Industry Association noted the measure does not change possession limits and raised détente about diversion to illegal markets but said no evidence production increase followed earlier temporary policies.
The Department of Revenue's Cannabis Control Division and medical practitioners who recommend cards noted that older patients (the largest demographic is roughly age 60–70) face transportation challenges; a physician witness called medical cannabis a safer chronic‑pain alternative for some patients.
Committee members clarified the distinction between medical and adult‑use possession limits (medical: up to five ounces per month with a one‑ounce per‑possession limit; adult use commonly referenced as one ounce). After testimony the committee advanced the bill.
