Lawmakers this week began considering a new cap on dispensaries in Montana, an idea that’s been percolating in local communities as the recreational industry continues to grow.Â
The draft proposal presented to the Economic Affairs Interim Committee on Monday would limit licensure with the Montana Department of Revenue, which oversees the cannabis industry, to existing license holders through 2027.
A marijuana business license holder could move a dispensary to a new location but could not seek additional dispensaries during that timeframe. Likewise those existing licenses could be transferred or sold to another owner.
Marijuana providers and state lawmakers were all generally supportive of the proposal, which is still a long ways from becoming law.Â
A green cross flashes in the store front of a cannabis dispensary located on Montana Street in Uptown Butte. The green cross is a symbol for medical marijuana.
Since recreational sales launched at the beginning of 2022, the state Legislature has throttled down the industry through a moratorium on new businesses, in theory giving Montana’s longstanding medical marijuana industry the first go at the new market. That moratorium was initially through 2023, and later extended to 2025.
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