How To Open a Dispensary In Montana

Montana Marijuana Laws

In January, 2021 Initiative NO. 190 passed in the state allowing for limited recreational sales of marijuana for adults over the age of 21.

I-190 requires the Department of Revenue to license and regulate the cultivation, transportation, and sale of marijuana and marijuana-infused products and to inspect premises where marijuana is cultivated and sold. It requires licensed laboratories to test marijuana and marijuana-infused products for potency and contaminants. I-190 establishes a 20% tax on non-medical marijuana. 10.5% of the tax revenue goes to the state general fund, with the rest dedicated to accounts for conservation programs, substance abuse treatment, veterans’ services, healthcare costs, and localities where marijuana is sold. I-190 allows a person currently serving a sentence for an act permitted by I-190 to apply for re-sentencing or an expungement of the conviction. I-190 prohibits advertising of marijuana and related products.

HB 701 revises Initiative NO. 190 and establishes a framework for medical marijuana dispensaries to get licensed for retail sale starting Jan 1, 2022. Giving them a head start on the adult use market. Dispensaries that are not already medically licensed in the state of Montana would have to wait till July 1, 2023 to open to the adult use market.

Recreational License Categories

Montana's has a canopy licensing system which allows for individuals to scale their operations as their ready, however you may not start out on any tier above two unless purchasing tier from a already licensed individual.

Adult-Use Providers

• Tier one - max 1,000 square feet - $1,000 application fee
• Tier two - max 2,500 square feet - $2,500 application fee
• Tier three - max 5,000 square feet - $5,000 application fee
• Tier four - max 7,500 square feet - $7,500 application fee
• Tier five - max 10,000 square feet - $10,000 application fee
• Tier six - max 13,000 square feet- $13,000 application fee
• Tier seven - max 15,000 square feet - $15,000 application fee
• Tier eight - max 17,500 square feet - $17,500 application fee
• Tier nine - max 20,000 square feet - $20,000 application fee

Adult-Use Marijuana-Infused Products Provider

• Tier one - max 1,000 square feet - $1,000 application fee
• Tier two - max 2,500 square feet - $2,500 application fee
• Tier three - max 5,000 square feet - $5,000 application fee
• Tier four - max 7,500 square feet - $7,500 application fee
• Tier five - max 10,000 square feet - $10,000 application fee
• Tier six - max 13,000 square feet- $13,000 application fee
• Tier seven - max 15,000 square feet - $15,000 application fee
• Tier eight - max 17,500 square feet - $17,500 application fee
• Tier nine - max 20,000 square feet - $20,000 application fee