Providers in the Treasure State have sold about $44 million in recreational marijuana products since the beginning of the year when sales first became legal.
According to an Associated Press report last week, an anti-marijuana group led by Billings car dealer Steve Zabawa is ramping up another campaign to persuade Yellowstone County voters to opt out of recreational sales.
Flathead voters approved recreational sales by a 7 point margin in the 2020 election — and while that’s hardly a home run, it’s a substantial berth at the ballot box.
Recreational cannabis sales are taxed at 20%, with those dollars earmarked to fund important substance abuse treatment programs, conservation initiatives and veterans services.
In Northwest Montana, Lake County residents are set to vote on a local tax this spring.
Turning back on recreational cannabis in Northwest Montana so soon would be a big mistake.