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. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of cardholder information and mandates that cardholders notify the department of any changes to their personal information. Notably, the bill replaces the term "consumer" with "marijuana cardholder," thereby restricting access to marijuana products solely to those with valid identification cards.

Additionally, the bill introduces new licensing types, such as a marijuana transporter license and a combined-use marijuana license, while establishing a probationary license for applicants who have completed the International Organization for Standardization application. It mandates that the Department of Revenue track marijuana products from seed to sale and implement a semi-cashless payment system for dispensaries. The bill also outlines stricter regulations for marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, and sales, including child-resistant packaging requirements and documentation of all transactions with cardholders. Furthermore, it establishes a biennial reporting requirement for the department and clarifies the procedures for sealing youth court records. Most provisions of the bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, with some sections effective earlier on October 1, 2025. Overall, the legislation 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