HELENA – The state Supreme Court said Monday it will delay enforcement of the severe medical marijuana restrictions it has upheld until Aug. 31.
In February, the court ruled in favor of provisions of a 2011 state law that limited medical marijuana providers to selling the drug to a maximum of three patients.
The Montana Cannabis Industry Association, which had challenged the legislation, has said the rollbacks would force the closure of dispensaries and leave patients without a legal way to obtain the drug.
The group sought a delay in implementing the ruling until after the 2017 legislative session. State health officials also argued for a delay, saying it would take them at least four months to notify patients and update the registry.
Chief Justice Mike McGrath wrote in Monday’s ruling that “immediate implementation of the court’s opinion will cause serious disruption” in the program.
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