Not so green campus

While much of Missoula embraces medical marijuana, the University of Montana continues to oppose student prescriptions to the drug on campus — and that stance isn't likely to change anytime soon.

Marijuana is forbidden at UM due to federal law, and any establishment receiving federal funding will lose that support if marijuana is allowed, even for medical purposes.

UM Chief Legal Council David Aronofsky said the university can't do anything until the law prohibiting marijuana is changed.

"Don't hold your breath," Aronofsky said. "We're likely to see a much more conservative congress after the November elections." He said that a conservative congress is less likely to change the law.

Aronofsky cited two laws that keep drugs off of university campuses. The Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act — which applies to any person or organization that receives $100,000 or more in services, funds, work or other support from the federal government — and the Drug Free-Schools and Communities act prohibits the use, possession and distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol by students and employees.

Aronofsky said that if the university does not comply with the law, it risks losing federal funding. As to how much the university would lose, Aronofsky estimated millions. He added that it is property specific and students who live off campus have a right to use medical marijuana if they have a registry ID card.

University freshmen with cards can apply for a medical release from living in the dorms, said Mike Nugent, assistant director of residence Life.  Students usually must earn 30 credits before moving off campus.

However, before their release can be approved, students must obtain a doctor's note, then meet with the Residence Life director.

Nugent said last year, the director met with fewer than five students on the issue. This year, Nugent said no one has asked for a release in relation to medical marijuana yet.

Mike Nevas, who works with Montana Cannabis, a medical marijuana dispensary, said he sees no reason for marijuana to be illegal federally — and therefore, on the UM campus — adding that there are no proven health risks and that it is no more dangerous than other medications on the market.

In his experience, addiction is not a problem either, though he said that doesn't mean someone can't get addicted.

"In my experience, addicts are addicts no matter what they're taking," Nevas said.

Montana Cannabis provides house-grown products. They are legally allowed up to six plants or one ounce per patient.

Montana Cannabis works mostly with patients over 50. Nevas said the "stoner" stereotype that is commonly associated with marijuana offends many legitimate card-carriers. He said he hardly ever sees the "blurry-eyed 18-year-old who dropped out of school" in the store. Patients with cards are suffering from legitimate illnesses and Nevas said many use the drug to relieve chronic pain.

Caregivers can check the validity of a patient by calling the number on their registry ID card and verifying it with a doctor.  

Nevas said he believes that the laws on the drug are unlikely to change. He said there is some merit to the conspiracy theory that pharmacies are keeping the drug off of the market for fear of losing business. But he said public opinion has a lot to do with it.

He said "antiquated morality structures" are holding legalization back and speculates that it will take more widespread public support before the government makes any changes. In other words, according to Nevas, we need to get with the times.

alyssa.rabil@umontana.edu