About SafeMontana

SafeMontana is a coalition of parents, prevention professionals, healthcare providers, educators, community leaders and concerned citizens working to advance practical marijuana policies that protect public health, support informed decision-making and strengthen Montana communities.

As marijuana products continue to evolve, Montana faces new challenges related to product potency, youth exposure, consumer safety, public awareness and access to reliable data. We believe good policy starts with good information and common-sense solutions.

Our Current Areas of Focus

Marijuana Impact Reporting

Improve access to statewide data on health, safety, youth use, impaired driving, treatment needs, and emerging trends to better inform policy decisions.

Prevention & Public Education

Support accurate, fact-based education about modern marijuana products, including high-potency THC products, edibles, concentrates, and vaping products.

Consumer Protection

Ensure consumers have access to clear product information, consistent safety standards, and accurate labeling.

Product Testing & Integrity

Strengthen testing, inspection, and quality assurance measures to help ensure products meet established safety standards.

Youth Protection

Reduce youth exposure to marijuana advertising, marketing practices, and products that may appeal to minors.

Responsible Retail Practices

Promote education, training, and accountability measures that support safe and responsible retail operations.

Emerging Intoxicating Products

Address regulatory gaps related to intoxicating cannabinoid products and other psychoactive substances sold outside Montana’s regulated marijuana market.

Transparency and Accountability

Improve public understanding of how marijuana-related revenue is allocated and how programs funded through those revenues are performing.

Safe Montana supports practical, evidence-informed solutions that strengthen prevention, improve transparency, protect consumers, and support informed decision-making across Montana

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.

"In the 2027 legislative session, legislators, the Montana Attorney General, Secretary of State and Governor have an opportunity to rein in an out-of-control industry with sensible reforms to create a safe, above-ground system for the distribution, testing and monitoring of THC that can serve as a model for other states."