Recreational marijuana is still a hot-button issue in Montana, but these numbers are impressive. 

It's been a full year of allowing recreational marijuana in Montana, and people might wonder if was it worth it. The State of Montana released the official revenue numbers for year one of recreational sales, and it's eye-opening and encouraging for the future. 

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KBZK reports that the Montana Department of Revenue data shows that medicinal and recreational marijuana combined for over $303 million in sales in 2022. Over $202 million was adult-use or recreational sales only. In December, there was over $25 million in sales, which was the monthly average over the year. 

Photo by Budding via Unsplash
Photo by Budding via Unsplash
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These numbers are massive and could easily be on the rise in 2023. Many cannabis groups were expecting numbers for both medicinal and recreational to be anywhere between $260 to $280 million in sales. Hitting numbers between $20 to $40 million over expectations is fantastic for many dispensaries throughout Montana. 

The most impressive part about these numbers is that though recreational marijuana was legalized, about half the counties in Montana don't sell marijuana recreationally. Many counties in Central and Eastern Montana only permit medicinal marijuana sales. 

Could you imagine how these numbers could end up if every county in Montana approved recreational marijuana? These revenue numbers could go higher than anyone could imagine. 

Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash
Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash
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One of the best parts of this report is that the marijuana industry in Montana supports around 5,000 people for employment, and that number could be on the rise if these numbers keep going up. 

I know folks are hesitant about supporting marijuana, whether recreationally or medicinally. Many people use marijuana to help with many ailments and illnesses and don't want to depend on painkillers or opioids. 

If you don't know, the tax revenue that Montana's recreational marijuana generates goes towards several programs in need of funds. Programs that benefit range from veterans to Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and other crucial programs. 

2023 could be another monster year for marijuana sales in Montana, and if more counties allow recreational sales, we could see more records broken. 

For more details, check out KBZK.

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