North West - Whitefish/Kalispel

MMGA Meeting July 20, 2010
Kalispell Public Library
Meeting led by Ed Docter

Went to Helena on July 12, 2010 to attend the sub-committee meeting on Initiative 148. They are in dire need of education, they have very little if any experience with medical marijuana from growth to sale. Meeting continued covering a wide range of important topics.
- Discussed creating a power point presentation to help educate, Marijuana 101.
- We should be thinking and asking for other ideas and solutions on how to educate from our patients and other caregivers.
- We need to compile idea’s for a logo for the MMGA, maybe a contest, to use as a label. Something relating to medicine and being from Montana.
- Hiedi pointed out the problem with Montana looking to other states to help with the law, we need to remember ourselves and remind others to keep it in Montana.
- We need to make sure it is understood we are going at this in a straight forward, legal, and responsible manner. We need to find out about contacting law enforcement and maybe department of transportation and getting things started to help keep distribution safe and legal.
- Caregiver to caregiver is very important, we need to make sure this point needs to be conveyed in a respectful manner while still stressing its importance.
- Keep asking for those who are positive voices from the community to send emails to mmcomment@mt.gov. Everything needs to stay respectful and educated.
- To help keep us safe and legal everyone should look into insurance, Ed recommends Greenpoint Insurance, they will help cover everything.
- Department of Agriculture is in the dark about where things are at and going, we should make more contact on that end and try to help educate and get everyone on the same page. Nick Himsl has contacted Mr. DeYoung of the department and he is willing to listen and discuss with local growers and caregivers.
- Networking is VITAL. We need to make sure we all make the effort to meet and talk to others while putting a good face on what we do.
- We are setting up a booth in Columbia Falls for Heritage Days Saturday July 24, 2010. We will have a banner and table with information and cards for those involved.
- Voted for Northwest Flathead MMGA Chapter, results:

Director: Ed Docter <ed.tamarack@gmail.com>
Asst. Director: Bill Boast
Secretary: Sandy Himsl
Treasurer: Cameron Burlin
Next meeting, as of now, is scheduled for August 18, 2010 at 6:00PM.