Montana GOP Lawmaker Wants To Eliminate Recreational Dispensaries

More than two years after voters approved a bill to legalize recreational marijuana, and more than a year after the state’s regulated marijuana market began, Montana legislators are calling it all. I would like to cancel.

Republican Senator Keith Legier introduced last week invoice This includes a series of reforms to Montana’s cannabis policy, most notably the “abolition of adult pharmacies.”

according to montana free press, The bill, which would “further increase state taxes on medical marijuana from 4% to 20% and place drastic limits on the effectiveness and permissible possession of medical marijuana,” would reban recreational marijuana. Although it will “not re-criminalize marijuana,” Possessions for Adults.

Léger’s bill clearly states its purpose: “Reduce demand for marijuana sales.”

montana free press Here’s the background to the proposal:

“If this bill is passed, it would significantly reduce the potential consumer base for existing marijuana businesses and eliminate an important source of revenue for the nation’s coffers. Since sales began, Montana has generated $54 million in tax revenue from the industry—less than a tenth of that revenue came from the medical marijuana tax—currently, there are 20 recreational customers in the state. You pay 100% tax, and some counties add an additional 3% local tax.

The outlet reported that the bill will be subject to hearings at the Senate’s Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee on Wednesday.

Nearly 57% of Montana voters approved Initiative 190 in 2020. This he laid the groundwork for legalizing marijuana for adults over the age of 21 and taxing the sale of cannabis.

Recreational cannabis sales began last year and will bring more than $200 million to the state by 2022.

In 2022, recreational marijuana sales were $229,473,328 and medical cannabis sales were $93,616,551, according to the state. (Montana voters legalized medical marijuana treatment in 2004.)

Combined, the two totaled $33,563,879 in total marijuana sales last year.

According to the Department of Revenue, Montana generated $41,989,466 in tax revenue from recreational cannabis sales and $3,744,662 in tax revenue from medical cannabis sales. Combined, the state earned her $45,734,128 in tax revenue from her 2022 marijuana sales.

Marijuana reform is a hot topic in the Montana legislature this year.

Earlier this month, the Business Labor Commission “heard testimony about two marijuana-related bills.” According to local news station KTVH –– One of them “prohibits Montana marijuana businesses from using television, radio, or signage to advertise their business or brand in print,” while “no marijuana businesses must put it on their products.” Revise necessary warning labels that must be. It cannot be said that marijuana use during pregnancy can cause “birth defects or hereditary cancers that develop later in the child.” “

The bureau reported that the proposed advertising ban “gathered opposition from marijuana businesses and the Montana Newspaper Association,” with opponents saying “most people in the industry were skeptical to make sure advertising complied with current rules.” A lot of the issues that people are concerned about are due to a small number of villains.”

Other cannabis bills have also been debated, including one that “requires marijuana growers and manufacturers of marijuana products to install air filtration systems to address concerns about odor.” was According to KTVH, As well as several proposed bills to change how states distribute marijuana tax revenue.

“In particular, they are proposing to remove a section of state law to direct some of the taxes from marijuana sales to Habitat Montana, a program that uses state funds for wildlife habitat conservation projects. Gov. Greg Gianforte said the program is well funded and no longer needs marijuana income.” The agency reported.