Recreational marijuana sales have been going strong in Montana since January 1, 2022. But that doesn’t mean that adult marijuana users can do whatever they want. There are limits on purchasing, use and possession in Montana for recreational and medical users alike. Here’s what you need to know if you plan to visit a dispensary or partake in Big Sky Country.
But wait, isn’t marijuana still illegal at the federal level?
Yes, it is. However, the federal government has made it clear that it will not pursue criminal charges against responsible recreational and medical marijuana users, and it’s also looking into reclassifying marijuana so it’s no longer a Schedule I substance. Despite this trend, there really is no federal legal protection for state-sanctioned marijuana use, so it’s important to follow the rules of your state and keep up with local and federal changes in both laws and enforcement.
What are some of the limits on recreational marijuana use in Montana?
- You must be 21+ to purchase recreational marijuana.
- You may not use marijuana in public or on federal lands.
- You may not use it in hospitals or healthcare facilities.
- It is still against the law to drive under the influence of marijuana.
- Possession and purchase for recreational users is limited to one ounce.
- There are also limits on the amount of THC content permitted in different products (edibles, topical, etc.) intended for recreational use.
- Recreational marijuana is subject to a sales tax of 20 percent in Montana (medical marijuana is taxed at 4 percent).
Can you legally grow marijuana in Montana?
Yes, you can, as long as you only have two mature plants and two seedlings and as long as those plants are not visible to the public.
Where can I purchase recreational marijuana?
While it’s legal to use marijuana across the state, you cannot legally purchase it in every Montana county. Only counties where a majority of citizens voted yes on I-190, also known as “green” counties, allow for the sale of recreational and medical marijuana. To find out which counties permit the sale of recreational marijuana, click here. You must also purchase from a licensed dispensary. To search for dispensaries near you, click here.
What about medical marijuana users?
State laws regarding medical marijuana are more permissive than those around recreational use (however, medical marijuana is also still illegal according to federal law). But a dispensary may have a license to sell both recreational and medical marijuana, or the two businesses may operate side by side out of the same building.
While more and more states continue to legalize marijuana for recreational use, and while attempts to curb or reverse those laws continue to fail, the landscape for recreational marijuana use is always changing, and adult users should stay in the know. When you visit Big Sky Country, be sure to respect the laws related to recreational marijuana and use it responsibly.
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