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MontanaHB 4969th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Generally revise laws related to synthetic cannabinoids

Sponsored By: Ron Marshall (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Higher fees and tougher penalties for licensees

The department charges fees for labs, background checks, worker permits, and transporter licenses, designed to cover program costs. Before sales, you must submit packaging and label information and pay an application fee; initial filings can be electronic, and final approval comes only after you are licensed. Agencies can issue cease‑and‑desist orders and fine up to $1,000 per day for each day you violate such an order; they can also recover investigation and attorney costs, with penalty revenue split between treatment and marijuana program accounts. The state may revoke your marijuana license for tax violations under Title 15; revocation starts on the violation date and can last up to one year after you are certified compliant.

Statewide ban and penalties for synthetic cannabinoids

The law bans making, selling, buying, or using synthetic cannabinoids or any product that contains them. It defines synthetic cannabinoids, including lab-made and biosynthetic forms made by organisms like yeast or algae. These products are not treated as marijuana under state law, and FDA‑approved drugs remain allowed. Local governments can add their own rules. Violations can be charged under existing dangerous‑drug crimes. It is illegal to sell or give these products to a child: first offense up to a $500 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail; second offense up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail. The department sets rules to carry out and enforce this ban.

Only licensed businesses may sell marijuana

Only licensed manufacturers, cultivators, or dispensaries may sell marijuana products. FDA‑approved cannabis drugs are not blocked. All retail products must stay within state potency limits. Dispensaries cannot sell hemp flower or plants, synthetic cannabinoids or their products, or alcohol from the licensed location.

Marijuana not regulated as agriculture

The law says marijuana and marijuana products are not agricultural products. Growing, processing, or selling marijuana is not regulated by the Department of Agriculture unless another law specifically says so. Licensed marijuana businesses deal with the Department of Revenue and other assigned regulators instead.

Low THC caps for hemp products

Hemp products sold in Montana may have no more than 0.5 mg total delta‑9 THC per serving and 2 mg per package. This rule does not apply to unadulterated hemp flower that is not processed into extracts, infused products, or concentrates. Sellers may need testing, reformulation, and new labels to comply.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ron Marshall

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Greg Hertz

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 287 • No: 13

Senate vote • 3/19/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 47 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 47 • No: 3

House vote • 1/23/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 96 • No: 4

House vote • 1/22/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 97 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    4/7/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    4/7/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/1/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    4/1/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    3/28/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    3/20/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    3/19/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading

    3/19/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    3/18/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report

    3/4/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action

    3/4/2025Senate

  12. Hearing Canceled

    2/9/2025Senate

  13. Hearing

    2/5/2025Senate

  14. Hearing

    1/28/2025Senate

  15. Referred to Committee

    1/27/2025Senate

  16. 1st Reading

    1/24/2025Senate

  17. Transmitted to Senate

    1/23/2025House

  18. 3rd Reading

    1/23/2025House

  19. 2nd Reading

    1/22/2025House

  20. Committee Report

    1/20/2025House

  21. Committee Executive Action

    1/20/2025House

  22. Committee Executive Action

    1/20/2025House

  23. Hearing

    1/6/2025House

  24. 1st Reading

    1/6/2025House

  25. Referred to Committee

    12/20/2024House

Bill Text

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    3/20/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    3/20/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    12/9/2024

    PDF

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