The Billings Gazette, 19 Sep 2011 – HELENA — Panelists Monday night for different reasons criticized the federal government for its handling of the medical marijuana issue. Former U.S. Attorney William Mercer of Billings, and state Reps. Gary MacLaren, R-Victor, and Diane Sands, D-Missoula, discussed the tensions of changing federal policy on medical marijuana and how its effect on Montana.