Montana cannabis history
Reviewed
The Department of Revenue says adults 21 and older could possess and use up to one ounce with no criminal penalties as of January 1, 2021. It says adult-use sales in counties that supported Initiative 190 began in January 2022.
This is a short history, not legal advice. The rules that apply today are on the Montana cannabis laws page. A date is included only when the linked page states it.
At a glance
November 3, 2020The Secretary of State says Initiative 190 was approved by voters on the November 3, 2020 ballot.
January 1, 2021The revenue department dates the end of criminal penalties for up to one ounce to January 1, 2021.
January 2022In counties where a majority supported Initiative 190, the department says adult-use sales began in January 2022. In counties that opposed it, adult-use sales are prohibited.
Initiative 190
- The Secretary of State’s ballot page marks Initiative 190 approved by voters. The 2020 statewide general election canvass lists 341,037 yes and 258,337 no.
- The department says public consumption remained prohibited when the one-ounce possession rule took effect.
County sales rules
- The department says adult-use sales are prohibited in counties where a majority opposed Initiative 190.
- The department says it is not to begin accepting applications from people and premises that were not previously licensed until July 1, 2027.
Sources
- prohibited in counties where a majority opposed Initiative 190
- approved by voters on the November 3, 2020 ballot
- 2020 statewide general election canvass
Citations were checked against the linked pages on October 24, 2026. Claims without a statute, election result, regulator page, court opinion, or news report were left out.