Author Ben Cort presenting.
Dr. Faith Price, Director of Prevention at All Nations, Chair of Healthy Missoula Youth Coalitions Policy and Law Committee provides comment on prevention and introduces speaker.
Ben Cort discusses public health, his background and his interest in the subject matter.
He discusses the history of cannabis, cannabis compounds and psychoactive properties of THC, an increase in potency, and the Stamp ACT and Reefer Madness effects on increasing the popularity of cannabis.
Bob Campbell asks about the increase of cannabinoids over time.
Ben Cort discusses the difference between the cannabis plant and high potency THC extract. He discusses high level potency beginning at the 16% level, substance abuse disorder, cannabis withdrawal, and rate of addiction increase.
Gwen Jones joins meeting at 2:32PM.
Mr. Cort discusses frontal lobe development, potency, regulation of potency, the relationship between THC addiction and schizophrenia, psychosis, and consumption trends.
He discusses concentrates, distillates, vaping, edibles, intentional/unintentional over consumption, and THC poisoning. Best practices for overconsumption and psychosis include removal of any stimulation, hydration, and taking individual to the Emergency Room where the ER may apply restraints, administer anti psychosis meds, and hydrate the individual.
Gwen Jones thanked the presenter and commented on the information in the presentation.
Bob Campbell discusses his experience as law enforcement with cannabis issues, psychosis, the next legislative session in 2025, and his takeaways.
Amber Sherrill inquires about regulations on potency and packaging.
Ben Cort advises there are no states with regulations currently in place, mentions Colorado and the number of lobbyists advocating against regulations.
Amber Sherrill inquires about the level of recovery from psychotic episodes and psychosis, and long-term use of antipsychotics.
Public Comment
Leah Fitch-Brody with the local Health Department, discusses youth hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and inquires about regulations and codes.
Ben Cort discusses overdosing, strokes, death, and driving under the influence.
Faith Price asks what kind of things Colorado tried to correct after they legalized pot.
Ben Cort discusses buyer's remorse and not having the ability to stop the growing number of dispensaries.
Senator Willis Curdy, Representative from SD 49, spoke recommending attendees to look at House Bill 701 and review the day-to-day operations of the cannabis control division. He advised THC levels in cannabis are limited in the state of Montana in terms of recreational sale.
Jacqueline Kline from the Health Department advised there is a 35% cap on potency of flower. She advises there are 59 dispensaries in Missoula County and discusses infractions on advertising policies. She also shared a report from Healthy Missoula Youth Coalition website.
Senator Curdy discusses advertising and welcomes people to call him if they see issues and he will address it.
Gwen Jones asked about use of zoning buffers and if Mr. Cort had any examples of successful zoning.
Mr. Court discussed zoning options, the saturated market of licensed businesses, and support from businesses to help regulate number of licenses.
Gwen Jones inquired about any land use tools Mr. Cort has seen that are successful. She stated she has not seen a decline in the number of dispensaries and wonders if Montana is different from other areas.
Nicole Hackley the Workforce Development Coordinator for Youth Connections, who serves as the technical assistance and training contractor for the behavioral health and development disabilities division with the Department of Health and Human Services gives comment.
Linda Wolfe gives comment about the effects of cannabis use on youth.
Ben Court presents at the Missoula Public Library tonight.