Montana legalized medical cannabis in 2004 via Initiative 148 and adult-use cannabis in 2020 through Initiative 190 (Montana Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act), with retail sales beginning January 1, 2022. The Cannabis and Alcohol Regulation Division (CARD), within the Montana Department of Revenue, regulates all licensed cannabis businesses. Dispensaries are licensed as either medical-only or adult-use, with adult-use dispensaries permitted to serve both consumer types. Montana imposes a 20% excise tax on adult-use sales. New dispensary license applications will not be accepted until July 1, 2027, restricting market entry to existing licensees. House Bill 792 (2025) imposes updated packaging requirements and addiction resource disclosures effective July 1, 2026. Up to eight Combined-Use Licenses are reserved for federally recognized Native American tribes.
Ask the Expert about MontanaMontana Code Annotated Title 16, Chapter 12 — Montana Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act
Cannabis and Alcohol Regulation Division (CARD), Montana Department of Revenue