House Bill No. 49 revises existing laws in Montana concerning synthetic cannabinoids, amending several sections of the Montana Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. Key changes include the replacement of the term "marijuana" with "cannabinoid" in various definitions to clarify the distinction between marijuana and synthetic cannabinoid products. The bill explicitly prohibits the manufacture and distribution of synthetic cannabinoid products and ensures that marijuana and marijuana products are not classified as agricultural products unless stated otherwise. It also grants local governments the authority to regulate marijuana businesses and establishes testing requirements for marijuana products to ensure safety and compliance.

The bill further outlines restrictions on the use and possession of marijuana, particularly for individuals under 21, and prohibits consumption in certain public spaces such as schools and healthcare facilities. It includes provisions for the resentence and expungement of records for individuals previously convicted of offenses that are now permissible under the revised law. Additionally, the bill clarifies the authority of state departments to investigate unlawful activities related to synthetic cannabinoids, imposes penalties for violations, and emphasizes that employers are not required to accommodate marijuana use in the workplace. Overall, the bill aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for marijuana use while addressing public health and safety concerns associated with synthetic cannabinoids.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_1(1): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_1(2): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_1(3): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_1(4): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_1(5): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_1(6): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_1: 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_2: 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_X(1): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_X(2): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_X(3): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_X(4): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_X(5): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_X(6): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_X(7): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_X(8): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_X(9): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623
HB0049_X: 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-108, 16-12-112, 16-12-117, 16-12-208, 16-12-305, 45-5-623