Looking for a way to get involved? Want to help make a difference and drive change in our state medical marijuana laws? Do you have a passion for politics, or are just plain hungry for some great live music? Then come out to the Legal Defense Fundraiser on Thursday, August 1st at the Filling Station at 2005 North Rouse, Bozeman. There will be some fantastic fun for everyone! Sponsored by Smokin’ Smitty’s, Around the Clock Cannabis, and Grow Green, this fundraiser will benefit Montana Coalition For Rights. There will be live music with The Boozehounds, Centimental Revolver, Tales from a Ghost Town, and some Montana home grown hip hop with Bozeman’s original 406ers, Filth and Foul.

In addition to all that (how can it get any better, right?) there will be food vendors serving up some amazing grub and refreshing drinks. And then there is the raffle that you certainly do not want to miss out on. The fantastic prizes that will be given away include: 2 – one day passes to Rockin’ the Rivers, 1- serenity float from Sea of Tranquility, and 4 – ten minute races from Full Circle Racing. These gems will be raffled off during breaks in the performances. They are requesting a minimum donation of $8.00 at the door, one can always contribute more, and all proceeds collected will be used for advancement of medical cannabis issues to include legislative lobbying and voter initiatives, the protection of voter rights, and efforts to end mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes.

So, who exactly are the Montana Coalition For Rights, and what do they do? Nathan Pierce, Founder and Executive Director of the organization, tells Bozeman Magazine “Founded in 2011, MCFR is a Constitutional and Civil Rights group that is dedicated to preserving, protecting and expanding the rights of all Montanans. MCFR has worked extensively on several efforts in the areas of property owner rights, voter rights, gun rights, medical marijuana, parental rights, and many more to achieve our mission. In September 2011, the MCFR was instrumental in protecting the Second Amendment rights of Montanans by lobbying members of Montana’s Congressional Delegation to denounce a memo from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that states that it is illegal for licensed medical marijuana cardholders to own or possess firearms or ammunition. Also in 2011, MCFR wrote and sponsored a Constitutional ballot initiative that would reserve to the people the power to amend or repeal laws passed by citizen initiative. Protecting the rights of Montanans to govern themselves and pass laws for their own benefit. During the recent 63rd Montana Legislative Session, the MCFR worked tirelessly to help advance medical marijuana policy and regulation by promoting SB-377, a bi partisan bill introduced by Senator David Wanzenreid of Missoula.”

Join us for an evening of live music and prizes. Come down and learn more from Executive Director,   Nathan Pierce, from Montana Coalition For Rights, ask questions and share your concerns and ideas. And most importantly, get involved with your state politics and have your voice be heard!!

Stacey Faldetta is a freelance writer currently living in MT with her four children. She is working on her first book of compiled poetry called ‘A Thousand Little Sparks’ and enjoys travelling extensively around our breath taking state enjoying all that the Big Sky Country has to offer. She can be reached at mtcinnamon73@gmail.com