THC POLICIES FOR A SAFER MONTANA
About the SafeMontana Legislative Package
SafeMontana is working closely with Montana Senators and Representatives to introduce a package of common-sense solutions that update HB701 to ensure a safer system for the distribution, testing and monitoring of THC in the state. These common-sense measures will help address the harms caused by an unregulated THC industry in Montana and prevent them from using the Big Tobacco addiction business model.
LC 2012, SB255
Limit THC Purchases to Montana ID Holders (21+)
THC users must be 21+ with a state-issued ID. Fees fund Cannabis Control Division. Fines for illegal out-of-state purchases and black-market marijuana possession.
Sponsors: Senators Greg Hertz, Barry Usher and Vince Ricci
Limit THC Potency
Reducing high-potency products will help minimize addiction and health risks. Anything over 10% is dangerous.
Sponsors: Representatives Jodee Etchart and Sherry Essman
Annual Impact Report
Monitor and report publicly on the health and safety impacts of marijuana legalization.
Control Revenue Allocation
100% of the 20% THC tax will be directed toward prevention, treatment, law enforcement, Cannabis Control Division, and the state general fund.
HB 331
Restrict Advertising
Establishing THC advertising regulations that align closely with tobacco advertising rules to ensure the protection of youth and minimize exposure.
Sponsors: Representative Kerri Seekins-Crowe and Amy Regier, Tracy Sharp, Barry Usher, Tom McGilvary, Neil Duram
Regulate Labeling
Clear, safe THC labeling protects consumers. Require single servings per container and medical-style disclaimers to prevent overdoses.
Sponsor: Representative Melody Cunningham
LC 3420
Provide Clarity for Opt-Out Ballots
Placing simple opt-out questions on county or municipal ballots to give voters control.
Sponsor: Representative Bill Mercer
SB 27
Moratorium on New Dispensaries Until July 1, 2027
Ensure orderly growth of the cannabis industry by preventing market oversaturation and supporting existing businesses.
Sponsor: Senator Ken Bogner
- LC 1966 – Regulating Packaging – Sponsor: Representative Lukas Schubert
- SB255 – Repeal/Reform Recreational Adult Use Marijuana – Sponsors: Senator Greg Hertz and Greg Oblander
- LC 0682, LC 0207, LC 0208 – Prohibit Legalizing Mushrooms and Synthetic THC Hemp – Sponsor: Senator Mark Noland
- SB261 – Revising the offense of endangerment of children – Sponsor: Senator Greg Hertz
These common-sense measures will help address the harms caused by an unregulated THC industry in Montana and prevent them from using the Big Tobacco addiction business model.
Investing in these simple improvements to Montana’s THC laws will lead to
Fewer emergency room visits
Reduced THC addiction in Montana families
More ambitious and successful students
Safer roads and communities
Key Stats
48
%ER VISITS
in the state are up 48% for those aged 15-19 and 49% for those aged 20-24.
19
%DUI FATALITIES
are up 19% (among the largest increases in the U.S.).
18
%YOUTH THC USE
is up 18% since legalization.
History of THC Legislation in Montana
- 2004: Medical Marijuana Ballot Initiative passes and creates a green card system with 300-700 card users.
- 2008-11: U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s Federal THC hands-off letter leads to an explosion of marijuana businesses in Montana. Medical marijuana cardholders balloon to over 28,000. Out-of-state doctors offer referrals without regulation and illegal grow centers proliferate.
- 2011: Speaker of the House Mike Milburn, Senator Jeff Essmann and their team pass SB423 to eliminate advertising, out-of-state doctors, revenue, etc. Feds shut down the recreational industry and arrest bad actors.
- 2016: Safe Accountable Medical Marijuana Ballot Initiative updates medical marijuana laws. From 2016-2020, medical marijuana quickly grows to 250 operating dispensaries.
- 2020: $8 million in out-of-state dark money pushes the I-190 ballot initiative, allocating and appropriating tax revenue. HB701 becomes law. Recreational THC industry proliferates in Montana.
- 2023: No HB701 THC revision bills pass in the 2023 session. The THC industry continues to grow unchecked through 2024.