The newly produced documentary film, “Code of the West” — telling the emotional story of the state’s medical marijuana political debate — will screen in four Montana communities this month.

Screenings and post-screening panel discussions with high-profile figures from both sides of the political debate are to be held in Missoula, Bozeman, Helena and Billings the weeks of May 13 and 20.

“Code of the West” documents the 2011 Montana Legislature as it debates marijuana regulation and repeal of the Medical Marijuana Initiative that Montana voters passed in 2004.

It follows key figures on each side of the debate.

“While the film follows a story that is unique and specific to Montana, this political debate and its implications are relevant nationwide,” said Rebecca Richman Cohen, Emmy Award-nominated filmmaker and director, producer and writer of the film.

As of March 31, the Montana Marijuana Program under the Department of Public Health and Human Services reported 11,993 medical marijuana cardholders. Prior to the passage of SB 423, the number of medical marijuana cardholders peaked at 31,522.

 “Code of the West” premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March 2012 and is an official selection of the Independent Film Festival Boston 2012.

“Code of the West” screening times, trailer, ticket information and Facebook event links are available at http://www.codeofthewestfilm.com/screenings. The following includes the full tour schedule and a listing of panel discussion participants:

 Helena: Thursday, May 17 at 7 p.m. at the Myrna Loy Center

Participants in the post-screening panel discussion:

• Moderator: John Adams, USA TODAY correspondent and capitol bureau chief at the Great Falls Tribune
• Emmy-nominated filmmaker Rebecca Richman Cohen
• Montana Speaker of the House Mike Milburn R-Cascade
• Montana Rep. Pat Noonan D-Ramsay
• Helena Mayor Jim Smith
• Montana Cannabis Industry Association board member Chris Lindsey

• Helena: Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at the Myrna Loy Center

Post-screening audience Q&A session with Emmy-nominated filmmaker Rebecca Richman Cohen

• Bozeman: Monday, May 21 at 7 p.m. at the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture

Post-screening audience Q&A session with Emmy-nominated filmmaker Rebecca Richman Cohen

• Billings: Tuesday May 22 at 7 p.m. at the Alberta Bair Theater

Participants in the post-screening panel discussion:

• Moderator: KTVQ-TV Assistant News Director Jay Kohn
• Emmy-nominated filmmaker Rebecca Richman Cohen
• Tom Daubert, founder of Patients & Families United
• Cherrie Brady of Safe Communities Safe Kids
• Montana Senator Jeff Essmann (R) SD 28 Billings
• Dr. Ed Stickney, past president of the Montana Medical Association and the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians

• Missoula: Wednesday, May 23 at 7 p.m. at the Wilma Theatre

Post-screening audience Q&A session with Emmy-nominated filmmaker Rebecca Richman Cohen