This bill, SB 27, revises the marijuana business licensing laws in Montana by establishing a moratorium on the issuance of new licenses for marijuana premises until July 1, 2025, and prohibiting existing licensees from adding additional licensed premises during this period. It amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to facilitate the growth of the recreational marijuana industry while maintaining restrictions on new location licenses for dispensaries. The bill allows new applicants to apply for licenses related to existing licensed premises and sets a timeline for the Department of Revenue to begin accepting applications from previously unlicensed individuals starting in 2027.

Key amendments include the removal of language concerning former medical marijuana licensees and the introduction of provisions that permit adult-use dispensaries to operate alongside medical marijuana dispensaries under shared ownership. The bill also clarifies local government authority to regulate marijuana businesses and establishes a process for local elections to approve or prohibit specific types of marijuana businesses. Additionally, it outlines specific licensing tiers for cultivators, with fees ranging from $1,000 to $37,000, and mandates inspections within 30 days of application submission. Overall, SB 27 aims to create a more structured and regulated environment for marijuana businesses in Montana, addressing public safety and compliance concerns raised by voters in the recent election.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_1(1): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_1(2): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_1(3): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_1(4): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_1(5): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_1(6): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_1(7): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_1: 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_2(1): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_2(10): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_2(2): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_2(3): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_2(4): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_2(5): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_2(6): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_2(7): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_2(8): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_2(9): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_2: 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_X(1): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_X(2): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_X(3): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_X(4): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_X(5): 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301
SB0027_X: 16-12-104, 16-12-201, 16-12-210, 16-12-223, 16-12-224, 16-12-301