Montana House passes measure on medical pot for probationers

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana House passed a bill to allow people on probation or parole to use medical marijuana if they suffer from a debilitating medical condition.

The bill sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jade Bahr passed 60-39 Friday before lawmakers took their mid-session break. The bill moves to the Senate.

Bahr argued on the House floor that Montana residents have twice voted in favor of allowing the use of medical marijuana and that people on probation or parole wouldn't be denied access to other prescribed treatments such as chemotherapy, insulin or dialysis.

A 2011 bill that sought to put tighter restrictions on the medical marijuana industry said people on probation and parole couldn't hold medical marijuana cards.