On Novembers Ballot, there are two measures, I-190 and CI-118, that will attempt to legalize the sale and possession of recreational marijuana in Montana.
Medical marijuana laws have been in effect since 2004 but, New Approach Montana, a legalization advocacy group, says that recreation sales could provide the state 48 million dollars in taxable revenue by 2025.
When other states like Washington, Colorado, California and Nevada opened themselves up to recreational marijuana, the states saw a boom in marijuana sales but do local medical dispensaries envision that same plan if I-190 and CI-118 were passed?
Not before they have more questions answered like licensing costs, building requirements and grow regulations
Benjamin Bunch, a Euphoria Wellness manager in Bozeman says that there can be a few expected issues with the new initiatives.
"Bigger pictures that we have to focus on as dispensaries and providers to be able to make this happen. The licensing fees for dispensaries have already been going up and up in the last few years, so if its going to be more expensive that is going to be a hang up," said Bunch, "as well as the product and supply to be able to provide for all of that, is an issue that I see us running into."
Bunch said one fear the medical marijuana industry might have is pricing out smaller shops.
Most states saw a surge in big chain type recreational marijuana shops come in which could force out some of the smaller places that have already been serving a dedicated clientele for some time.
