_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study of the impacts of the use of marijuana and fentanyl; and requiring that the results of the study be reported to the 69th legislature.

WHEREAS, the Montana Department of Justice has reported a high confidence that fentanyl abuse is increasing in Montana; and

WHEREAS, Montana voters in 2020 approved an initiative to legalize recreational marijuana use; and

WHEREAS, voters in 2004 approved an initiative allowing the use of marijuana for debilitating medical conditions; and

WHEREAS, state agencies have reported statistical information related to medical marijuana and recreational marijuana but have not studied the impact of the use of these drugs on Montana residents and communities.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to review the impacts of fentanyl abuse and marijuana use in Montana.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee examine:

(1)        the effects of fentanyl abuse on the health and safety of Montanans;

(2)        the public safety impacts of marijuana legalization, including matters such as arrests, court filings, traffic safety, crimes committed within the vicinity of marijuana establishments, illegal cultivation of marijuana on public land, and diversion of marijuana to other states;

(3)        the public health and behavioral health impacts of marijuana legalization, including matters such as adult usage rates, hospitalization and emergency department visits, overdose rates, calls to poison control hotlines, admissions for substance abuse treatment, and suicide attempts and completions involving drug use;

(4)        the impacts of marijuana legalization on youth, including matters such as the number of drug-endangered children, youth drug usage rates, arrests, and school suspensions or expulsions related to marijuana;

(5)        the impacts on communities, including but not limited to complaints to local authorities regarding matters associated with the cultivation, manufacture, and sale of marijuana, efforts by local governments to address concerns raised by community members and officials, and efforts to promote healthy choices; and

(6)        effective efforts to prevent substance abuse and to mitigate public health concerns.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee consider legislation necessary to put effective prevention efforts in place.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2024.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 69th Legislature.