In Montana, an Economic Boon Faces Repeal Effort

"I don’t think anybody passed it thinking we were creating an industry," Mr. Krauss said, referring to the 2004 voter referendum. But like it or not, he said, it has become one, and legal investments in the millions of dollars have been made.

Questions about who really benefits from medical marijuana are now gripping Montana. In the Legislature, a resurgent Republican majority elected last fall is leading a drive to repeal the six-year-old voter-approved statute permitting the use of marijuana for medical purposes, which opponents argue is promoting recreational use and crime.

If repeal forces succeed — the House last month voted strongly for repeal, and the Senate is now considering it — Montana would be the first to recant among the 15 states and the District of Columbia that have such laws.

Kirk Johnson

Full Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/06/us/06marijuana.html?hpw