Since legalization, over fifty dispensaries have opened in Missoula and now the Missoula City Council is proposing a moratorium on new dispensary business licenses.
Matti Olson NonStop Local Multimedia Journalist MISSOULA, Mont. – In 2022, the recreational sale of marijuana was legalized in the State of Montana, allowing for the creation of new businesses with dispensaries opening throughout the state.
Since legalization, over 50 dispensaries have opened in Missoula. Now, the Missoula City Council is proposing a moratorium on new dispensary business licenses.According to the Cannabis and Missoula Youth Report, the Healthy Missoula Youth Coalition found that Missoula has more cannabis dispensaries per capita than any other U.S. City.The ordinance states “Missoula City Council believes a moratorium on new business licenses for cannabis dispensaries is necessary while the City explores whether its current rules applicable to location and operation of cannabis dispensaries are adequately protective of the public health, safety and welfare.”Council passed a resolution, putting a six-month moratorium on cannabis dispensary businesses licenses in effect. The council will vote on two ordinances on Monday, July 8.Title five includes a two-year moratorium for business licenses and title eight includes additional sanctions to those that sell or distribute cannabis to underage individuals.Ordinance sponsor council