The proposed bill seeks to revise Montana's existing laws on recreational marijuana by instituting a requirement for individuals to obtain a marijuana identification card to purchase marijuana or marijuana products. Eligibility for the card includes being at least 21 years old, submitting a $200 application fee, and proving Montana residency. The Department of Revenue will maintain a registry of cardholders and issue identification cards that include personal information and a photograph. The bill also emphasizes that marijuana can only be sold to registered cardholders, rather than all adults aged 21 and older, and mandates that cardholders present their identification upon request by law enforcement.

Additionally, the bill introduces new licensing types, such as a marijuana transporter license, and establishes a probationary license for applicants completing the International Organization for Standardization application. It replaces the term "consumer" with "marijuana cardholder" in various provisions, clarifying eligibility for marijuana purchases. The legislation also outlines stricter regulations for marijuana cultivation and sales, including child-resistant packaging and documentation of transactions. Furthermore, it sets a minimum annual fee for registered cardholders and clarifies procedures for sealing youth court records. The effective date for most provisions is set for January 1, 2026, with some sections taking effect earlier on October 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to create a structured and regulated framework for the legal marijuana market in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-104, 16-12-105, 16-12-106, 16-12-108, 16-12-109, 16-12-110, 16-12-111, 16-12-201, 16-12-202, 16-12-203, 16-12-206, 16-12-208, 16-12-210, 16-12-222, 16-12-224, 16-12-503, 16-12-513, 16-12-515, 16-12-533, 18-7-101, 41-5-216, 45-9-203, 46-18-202, 61-11-101
SB0255_1(1): 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-104, 16-12-105, 16-12-106, 16-12-108, 16-12-109, 16-12-110, 16-12-111, 16-12-201, 16-12-202, 16-12-203, 16-12-206, 16-12-208, 16-12-210, 16-12-222, 16-12-224, 16-12-503, 16-12-513, 16-12-515, 16-12-533, 18-7-101, 41-5-216, 45-9-203, 46-18-202, 61-11-101
SB0255_1: 16-12-101, 16-12-102, 16-12-104, 16-12-105, 16-12-106, 16-12-108, 16-12-109, 16-12-110, 16-12-111, 16-12-201, 16-12-202, 16-12-203, 16-12-206, 16-12-208, 16-12-210, 16-12-222, 16-12-224, 16-12-503, 16-12-513, 16-12-515, 16-12-533, 18-7-101, 41-5-216, 45-9-203, 46-18-202, 61-11-101