Montana marijuana legalization backers launch signature drive

Supporters begin collecting signatures for legalization ballot measure as state's adult-use market operates with 538 retail licenses.

FILE — statehouse · B.D. Gilfry / CC BY-SA 2.0

Legalization advocates in Montana have begun gathering signatures for a ballot initiative, according to reporting from the Billings Gazette. The effort comes as the state maintains an active adult-use cannabis market with 538 open retail licenses, 306 cultivation operations, and 181 manufacturing facilities, according to state license records current as of August 9.

July sales data shows Montana's adult-use market generated approximately $29.7 million in combined transactions, suggesting continued commercial viability despite recent license deactivations. State records show 12 licenses became inactive between early August 5 and the signature-gathering announcement—including operations run by Yellowstoned Cannabis Co., Sacred Sun Farms, and several retailers—though specific closure reasons are not detailed.

A key metric to watch: whether signature collection succeeds and, if so, how the initiative's legalization framework might differ from Montana's current adult-use structure. Any ballot language will likely face scrutiny from both existing license holders and advocates seeking regulatory changes.