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A handful of Montana legislators are saying that local governments should not be able to prohibit medical marijuana shops from operating within the state.

On Thursday, the Medical Marijuana subcommittee of the Montana Legislature discussed proposed changes to the Medical Marijuana Act. During this third meeting of the subcommittee, lawmakers looked at issues affecting local governments and workplaces.

The Montana League of Cities and Towns asked legislators to clarify the authority local that governments have in regulating medical marijuana issues.

MT State Representative Diane Sands of Missoula told the subcommittee, "The issue is predominantly creating an expressed permission for local government, counties, cities and towns to enact everything from business licensing to zoning to ordinances. They are feeling unsure at this point that they have that expressed right."

Legislators also heard public comment on the role the local government should play in regulating medical marijuana.

"I'm a patient. Please don't allow our our cities and towns to prohibit me from getting my medicine. I am slowly losing my life, and without this I possibly will," said medical marijuana patient Beth Regennitter.

Billings City Attorney Brent Brooks testified during the meeting, "From our perspective this is truly a statewide issue that compels uniform legislation, clarification, refinement and some structure to it."

The subcommittee also adopted draft language sponsored by the Montana Chamber of Commerce aimed at clarifying issues involving medical marijuana and employment laws, workplace safety, and on-the-job drug testing.

The full Children, Families, Health & Human Services committee must approve the language before it will be brought before the Legislature next session.

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