AP: Recreational marijuana ballot passes
HELENA, Mont. — Montana voters also passed ballot measures that will legalize, tax and regulate recreational marijuana for people over the age of 21, with sales starting in January 2022.
One first measure changes Montana’s constitution. CI-118 allows anyone over 21 to purchase marijuana.
Initiative 190 legalizes, regulates and taxes marijuana. There will be a 20% tax on nonmedical purchases.
The University of Montana estimates it will generate $236 million in new revenue by 2026.
Opponents against the ballot measures sent us these statements:
“Wrong for Montana will sue tomorrow and defeat this measure, either at the District Court or Supreme Court of Montana. Either way, recreational marijuana in Montana is a pipe dream,” spokesperson for Wrong for Montana, Steve Zabawa said.
“But our battle is just beginning. Moving forward, we aim to aid those at the local level in establishing rules that prohibit the industry from opening stores and conducting other activity in their communities. As we have seen in state after state with a legal market, the overwhelming majority of communities have chosen to ban marijuana storefronts, deliveries, growing operations, and other activities. This fact alone serves as a counter to the industry’s claim that commercialization is widely supported,” president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, Dr. Kevin Sabet said.
