Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to revise Montana's laws regarding recreational marijuana by instituting a requirement for individuals to obtain a marijuana identification card to purchase marijuana or marijuana products. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for obtaining this card, including 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, a unique identification number, and a photograph. Temporary identification cards can be issued during the application process, valid for 60 days, and the department is required to process applications within 30 days. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of cardholder information and specifies that only registered cardholders can purchase marijuana products.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify the legal framework surrounding marijuana use, including new definitions and expanded licensing types. It establishes a tracking system for marijuana products from cultivation to sale, ensuring that only registered cardholders can engage in marijuana possession and use, thus removing the previous age restriction of 21 years. The bill also introduces penalties for violations related to marijuana cultivation visible from public areas and allows hospice or residential care facilities to permit marijuana use by registered cardholders. Furthermore, it modifies licensing procedures for marijuana businesses, favoring former medical marijuana licensees during a transitional period, and mandates the Department of Revenue to monitor the marijuana industry and report findings to the economic affairs interim committee. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the regulatory framework for marijuana while ensuring public safety and compliance with state laws.

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(2): 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(3): 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