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Migz420

Letter: Medical marijuana can be grown legally
06-13-07|billings gazette

I am the country boy who lived in Dawson County and challenged Montana law over my use of medical marijuana treating my multiple sclerosis in December 1999.

I was an indoor grower who grew only enough for myself and did 19 months in the Montana State Prison for the crime of taking care of my health the best way that I knew.

I grew illegally until I went to prison. Since prison, I have grown legally in the states of Washington and Oregon.

I cannot understand why the medical-marijuana growers are so afraid of the federal government if they are legitimate, as the 9th District Court of Appeals allow medical necessity as a defense. Have you noticed? Robin Prosser was not and will not be prosecuted. I have never heard of nor seen the feds bother any individual growers growing within the state laws.

I am still able, with minimal help, to maintain my pharmacy. I think that most of Montana's medical-marijuana patients could do the same if they were taught the joy of indoor gardening. As a legal patient, and before, I have always received a lot of satisfaction knowing that I can control the quality, always have my medication without depending on someone else or taking the chance on the quality or availability, and without supporting the black market.

I would love to be able to return to Montana and teach medical-marijuana patients how to depend on themselves to provide for their own medication.

Larry J. Rathbun
Silverton, Ore.