Every year the laws on cannabis change from state to state, and it can be hard to stay in the loop. We want you to have all the information you need to understand your local marijuana laws. In this article we breakdown the most recent changes to the Montana Marijuana Laws. Learn more below!
Status: Mixed
Decriminalized: No
Medical: Yes
Medical Marijuana Program in Montana Progresses Towards Regulations
With Montana’s lawmakers adjourning in 2018 without any progress on the medical marijuana program, regulators are continuing to put together regulations for medical cannabis businesses that help serve the patients of Montana. The rules will cover requirements of a broad range from labeling, testing, and tracking each product from growing to selling.
The history of medical marijuana in Montana has been a bumpy road. For several years lawmakers in Montana have tried their hardest to shut down the medical program, first by repealing the cannabis law, which was thankfully vetoed by the governor.
Beyond that, they also tried passing a law that was unworkable. In 2012, the Federal Law Enforcement swept across Montana shutting down multiple businesses, but thankfully advocates and patients persevered. In 2016 the voters of Montana stepped up and supported the initiative to create realistic changes to the cannabis laws.
The following session was the beginning of revisions made to the medical program, and now businesses are adjusting to the changes. Now, patients shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not the medical marijuana program is going to survive.
Expect to see more changes to the program in the near future so that the state, and its patients can work together to find a happy medium for easy access to marijuana, and increased state revenue.
Changes Need Made to the Harsh Montana Marijuana Laws
Believe it or not, if you are caught with a single joint in the state of Montana, you could find yourself in jail for up to six months! If caught with more than 2 ounces, that jail time would increase to 5 years in prison. Crazy, right?
In 2012 officers arrested or cited 1,502 people for marijuana related incidences, possession was 95% of them. This number of arrests was tripled since 2003. The craziest part about this, is that 91% of burglaries, and 85% of vehicle thefts went unsolved…It seems like law enforcement in Montana needs to focus on solving real crimes, instead of going after people for a plant that is less harmful than alcohol. The only way for things to change, is if you stand up and ask your officials to reduce the penalties for marijuana possession. The time for better solutions is NOW!
Stay tuned for more updates on the Montana Marijuana Laws in the near future!
