A bill introduced today in the Montana Legislature would require adults to obtain a state-issued identification card before they can legally purchase recreational marijuana.
Montana State Capitol Building.
Senate Bill 255, sponsored by State Senator Greg Hertz (R), passed its first reading today in the Montana Senate. The measure proposes changing the law so that individuals 21 and older must apply for and receive a marijuana identification card from the state Department of Revenue before being allowed to buy recreational marijuana or marijuana products.
Under the bill, applicants would need to submit a form, pay a $200 fee, provide proof of Montana residency, and include personal details such as name, address, and date of birth. The ID card would be laminated, display identifying information, and include a photograph of the cardholder. It would also track purchases made with the card.
The department would be required to process applications within 30 days, with a temporary card issued for up to 60 days while the application is under review. If the application fee is not paid within this period, the temporary card would be voided, and a permanent card would not be issued until payment is received. Approved applicants would receive their official ID within five days.
Identification cards would be valid for one year, and cardholders would need to report changes to their name or address within 10 days to keep their card active. The department would maintain a confidential list of all issued ID cards, accessible only to authorized government agencies, including law enforcement.
Senate Bill 255 also grants rulemaking authority to the Department of Revenue and would amend sections of Montana’s existing marijuana regulations to align with the proposed changes.
Montana legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with licensed retail outlets beginning operations in January 2022. Individuals aged 21 and older are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, with recreational purchases taxed at 20% and medical purchases taxed at 4%.
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