Regulation
7 Things To Know About Recreational Marijuana in Montana
“Don’t be surprised if it takes several weeks before you can have your first marijuana order filled up.”
In a few days, three to be precise, dispensaries in Montana will start selling recreational marijuana to adults above the age of 21. The launch of recreational sales in Montana has been much awaited there is likely to be a green rush for a while before the excitement dies down. That said, marijuana remains federally prohibited and therefore it remains a highly regulated product. Here are seven important things to know about what recreational marijuana in Montana will look like.
Who can buy recreational marijuana in Montana?
Anyone who is above 21 years of age and can prove this with a legal ID will be able to purchase adult-use marijuana in Montana. This includes both residents and non-residents of Montana.
What kind of payment will be accepted at recreational dispensaries?
Most cannabis dispensaries will restrict their payment options to cash. While some dispensaries may provide cashless ATMs as an option, this mode of payment may be soon on its way out. VISA recently issued a warning about the “misuse of cashless ATMs.”
Will the dispensary ask for my personal information?
Yes, the dispensary will ask to see your identification document and may take your personal details. However, the dispensary is only allowed to keep this information for a maximum of 180 days. Furthermore, the dispensary is not allowed to share this information with any third party. So in case you are worried about the state tracking your marijuana consumption, worry no more.
Which marijuana products will I be able to purchase in Montana?
You will be able to purchase a wide range of marijuana products in Montana. This includes canna edibles, tinctures and oils, concentrates, vapes, topicals, and smokable cannabis flowers. However, these products must be produced within the state of Montana.
Canna-edibles may come in different forms including gummies, cookies, chocolates, and infused oils among others. Cannabis flowers for recreational use should not contain more than 35% THC. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the euphoric feeling that is associated with marijuana use.
Customers will also be able to buy smoking accessories such as vape kits, bongs, dab rigs, and pipes among others. Smoking accessories can either be produced in Montana or imported from other states. Recreational dispensaries will not be able to sell hemp plant material to customers.
Are recreational dispensaries in Montana likely to run out of marijuana?
Looking at trends in states that have legalized recreational marijuana previously, Montana dispensaries are likely to run of supply in the first few days. There is likely to be a large influx of curious customers looking to try out marijuana. Additionally, visitors from other states may also bump up the demand. You are likely to see long queues at dispensaries on the first week before demand and supply factors stabilize.
Recreational marijuana purchase limits in Montana
At recreational dispensaries, customers will be able to purchase one ounce of marijuana at a go. This could also be 800 mg of cannabis in edible form or eight grams of cannabis in concentrate form. Customers will also have the option of mixing different products in one purchase, for as long as they do not exceed the purchase limit.
Where to buy recreational marijuana in Montana
Customers will be able to purchase recreational marijuana in counties that voted to have recreational marijuana legalized in the 2020 elections. Counties that are “red” will not be able to sell recreational weed. However, they will be allowed to retake another vote next year. A full list of “green” counties can be accessed through this link here.
In November last year, most residents of Montana voted to have recreational marijuana. In January 2022, the new marijuana law will go into full effect and customers will be able to purchase marijuana within the state. While recreational marijuana will be legal throughout the state, customers will be able to purchase cannabis from counties that voted to have marijuana legalized. With the seven points mentioned above, you should be able to lay your hands on some fresh Montana buds come 1st January 2022; beware of the long queues though!
