Montana is one of the latest states to legalize recreational marijuana, and the market for cannabis products is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. In addition, Montana has a well-regulated and organized system for licensing and regulating marijuana dispensaries, making it relatively easy to start a business in this industry.

Another advantage of opening a marijuana dispensary in Montana is the relatively low competition compared to other states. Because the market is still relatively new, there is a lot of room for growth and opportunity for new businesses to establish themselves.

Moreover, the state of Montana has a low cost of living and affordable real estate, which can make it easier for businesses to operate with lower overhead costs.

Medical Marijuana: Yes

Recreational Marijuana: No

Decriminalized: -

In-Home Cultivation: -

New Approach Montana submits 2020 marijuana legalization ballot initiatives for review

New Approach Montana, a statewide campaign working to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana, submitted two complementary 2020 ballot initiatives to the state for review. The first is a statutory initiative that would legalize marijuana in Montana for adults aged 21 and over and establish a regulatory framework for cultivation and sales. The second is a constitutional amendment that would allow the legal minimum age for marijuana consumption to be 21.

Pepper Petersen, spokesperson for New Approach Montana, said, “Our initiatives will give voters the opportunity to approve those laws at the ballot box on Election Day. It’s time for Montana to stop wasting law enforcement resources that could be spent fighting more serious crime. We can shift marijuana out of the illicit market and into licensed, regulated, and tax-paying businesses. At the same time, we can create jobs and generate significant new revenue for the state.”

Leaders of the campaign held a statewide listening tour in 2019 to gather input on the proposals from Montana voters, stakeholders, and policy experts. After the attorney general has approved the final petitions, New Approach Montana must gather 25,468 signatures to qualify the statutory initiative for the 2020 ballot and 50,936 signatures to qualify the constitutional initiative.

The initiative would allocate marijuana tax revenue to land, water, and wildlife conservation programs, veteran services, substance abuse treatment, long-term health care, and local governments. Read a full summary of the proposal brought to you by MMP here.

Montana’s harsh marijuana laws and efforts to change them

In Montana, possession of even a single joint for non-medical purposes can land a person in jail for six months, while possession of 60 grams or more (a little over two ounces) can result in a sentence of up to five years. These stiff marijuana penalties cause related negative consequences.

In 2016, there were 1,490 arrests or citations for marijuana-related offenses, 1,413 of which were for possession. Instead of arresting adults for possession of a product that is safer than alcohol, law enforcement should focus its limited resources on going after real criminals. It’s past time for a better solution.