Big Changes On Horizon: New Marijuana Laws in Montana

A summary of the key information is provided at the bottom of the article.

BUTTE, MT - Montana's cannabis industry is at a crossroads, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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Lawmakers in Helena are fiercely debating the future of marijuana regulation.

Will they protect small businesses and consumers, or will the floodgates open to an era of big corporate domination? Let’s dive into the showdown happening at the State Capitol.

Taxes Gone Wild: Will Consumers Pay the Price?

Montana dispensaries are facing a tax nightmare.

Due to inconsistent point-of-sale systems, taxes are unevenly applied, leading to confusion at the checkout counter.

Senator Josh Kassmier (R-Fort Benton) has introduced a bill to "clean up" this regulatory mess. The proposed law will apply the state’s tax rate (20% for recreational, 4% for medicinal) to the final sale price, ensuring that discounts won’t skew tax calculations.

However, critics warn that this may raise the final price for consumers in certain dispensaries.

Could this move pave the way for more stable pricing—or push more people back to the black market?

Freeze or Flood? The Fight Over Dispensary Growth

Montana’s cannabis boom has already resulted in about 1,000 licensed facilities. But with a moratorium on new business licenses set to expire this year, lawmakers fear the state could soon be overrun with dispensaries.

Senator Ken Bogner (R-Miles City) is spearheading a bill that would block new facility licenses until 2027. The goal? Prevent a “cannabis gold rush” that could flood the market with over 500 new sites.

However, some lawmakers suggest the bill might favor existing providers, limiting competition under the guise of "market control."

Is this a necessary brake on an explosive industry, or a scheme to protect big players from future rivals?

The $200 Weed Card – A Solution or Scam?

Senator Greg Hertz (R-Polson) is taking a controversial stand, proposing that recreational users be required to purchase a $200 identification card to buy marijuana.

Hertz believes this would discourage out-of-state cannabis tourism.

Opponents argue that this card system is an unfair burden on Montanans and could create unnecessary bureaucracy.

Cracking Down on Cannabis Ads

Representative Kerri Seekins-Crowe (R-Billings) is bringing back a bill that would limit marijuana advertising. Seekins-Crowe claims such restrictions are necessary to prevent over-commercialization and protect minors from exposure.

A similar proposal failed in 2023, but supporters believe it has a better chance this year. Critics say the bill is just another attempt to stifle the industry, pointing out that alcohol and tobacco ads still dominate the market.

Policing Pot: The Battle Over Marijuana DUI Laws

Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillvray (R-Billings) is focused on cracking down on marijuana-impaired driving.

His plan? Revise DUI laws to better account for cannabis in a person’s system.

McGillvray originally wanted to create a marijuana enforcement office within the Montana Department of Justice but has since backed off due to concerns about government overreach.

Still, the DUI proposal remains a priority for those who see cannabis as a growing public safety concern.

The Future of Marijuana in Montana

The legislative battles playing out in Helena will shape Montana's cannabis industry for years to come. Will lawmakers strike a balance between regulation and growth, or will they tip the scales toward big business and restrictive policies?

As the debates rage on, one thing is certain: Montana’s relationship with marijuana is evolving—and the next chapter promises to be just as turbulent as the last.

Stay tuned, Montanans. The green gold rush isn’t over yet.

Summary:

Montana lawmakers are debating new bills to revise marijuana regulations, focusing on taxation, business growth, and enforcement. One bill aims to standardize how taxes are applied at dispensaries, ensuring consistent rates on recreational (20%) and medicinal (4%) cannabis. Another proposal would extend a freeze on new dispensary facility licenses until 2027 to prevent market oversaturation, though critics say it may protect existing providers.

Controversially, a proposed $200 ID card would limit marijuana purchases to in-state residents, while another bill seeks to restrict cannabis advertising. Lawmakers are also considering updating DUI laws to better address marijuana use. These debates reflect ongoing tensions between market expansion, regulation, and public safety in Montana's growing cannabis industry.