How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Weed in Montana? Elevated

In Montana, you must be 21 or older to buy recreational cannabis with a valid ID. Medical patients can purchase starting at 18 with a Montana medical card. All products are lab-tested, regulated, and legal only in counties that permit recreational sales.

Key Points at a Glance:

• Recreational age: 21+ with valid government-issued ID.
• Medical age:
• 18+ with a Montana medical marijuana card (all product types allowed).
• 16–17 with physician approval (edibles only, must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while shopping).
• Purchase limits: 1 oz flower (rec) vs. 5 oz/month (medical).
• Taxes: 20% recreational; 4% medical.
• County rules: Some allow sales, others opted out.

At Elevated Montana, we know these laws can be confusing. That’s why our knowledgeable budtenders explain them in plain English and guide you to products that fit your goals, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local.

In this guide, we’ll break down age limits, possession rules, and county differences so you can feel confident before stepping into a dispensary. Keep reading to learn what makes Montana cannabis unique and how Elevated makes the process simple and stress-free.

Age & ID Rules in Montana

Recreational Age Requirement

Montana law requires you to be 21 years or older to purchase cannabis for recreational use. This applies whether you’re a resident, out-of-state visitor, or international traveler, as long as you have a valid government-issued ID.

Medical Age Requirement

Medical cannabis is available at 18+ for patients who qualify and hold a Montana medical marijuana card. These patients may purchase larger monthly amounts and benefit from lower taxes compared to recreational buyers.

ID Requirements

• Acceptable IDs: Driver’s license, state-issued ID card, tribal ID, or passport.
• Not accepted: Student IDs, VA IDs, or temporary papers without photo verification.
• Out-of-state IDs: Accepted for recreational purchases if the holder is 21+.

Possession Limits

• Recreational: Up to 1 ounce flower, 8g concentrate, or 800mg THC in edibles per person, per purchase.
• Medical: Up to 5 ounces per month (with possible exemptions for higher limits if doctor-approved).

Local Restrictions

Montana counties have the option to allow or ban recreational sales. Western counties like Missoula and Gallatin opted in, while others remain “dry.” Medical purchases are still legal statewide for cardholders.

Deeper Dive: Cannabis Age Rules in Context

Recreational vs. Medical Age

Type of Cannabis

Minimum Age

Purchase Limit

Tax Rate

Where Allowed

Recreational

21+

1 oz flower, 8g concentrate, or 800mg THC edibles per transaction

20%

Only in counties that opted in

Medical

18+ (with Montana medical card)

Up to 5 oz per month

4%

Statewide

Takeaway: While most adults need to be 21, Montana’s medical program opens the door at 18, offering larger limits and reduced taxes.

Montana vs. Other States

• Colorado: Recreational 21+, medical 18+ with card. Nearly identical to Montana.
• Oregon: Recreational 21+, but higher recreational purchase limits than Montana.
• Idaho (neighbor): Cannabis remains fully illegal; crossing the border with Montana cannabis is a federal offense.
• Washington: Cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use. However, travelers from Spokane or elsewhere must pass through Idaho, where possession is prohibited.

County Opt-Ins & Bans

Not every Montana county allows recreational cannabis sales.

• Opted In: Missoula, Gallatin, Silver Bow, Yellowstone (Bozeman, Billings, Butte).
• Opted Out: Many eastern counties (e.g., Dawson, Fallon).

Tip from Elevated budtenders: Check county maps before traveling, nothing’s worse than driving an hour only to find the shop closed by law.

The Elevated Difference: Why Locals Trust Us

Budtender Guidance

At Elevated, we know the laws are confusing: 18 vs. 21, medical vs. recreational, county opt-ins vs. bans. Instead of leaving you to figure it out on your own, our budtenders walk you through the rules in plain English. Customers often say this feels more like talking with a neighbor than standing in line at a corporate chain.

Montana-Made, Compliance-First

• 70+ in-house flower strains grown right here in Montana.
• Bakery-made edibles crafted for consistency and compliance.
• Lab-tested concentrates you can trust for purity.

Compliance isn’t just a box we check; it’s how we build community trust. When a parent or veteran asks, “Am I really allowed to buy this?” we have the expertise and legal knowledge to answer with confidence.

Discounts That Matter

• Veterans: Everyday discounts for those who served.
• Tribal IDs: Honoring Montana’s tribal communities with meaningful savings.
• Students: Flexible jobs and local hiring that keep college towns strong.

Why It Matters in Montana

We’re not an MSO parachuting in from another state. We live here. We shop the same farmer’s markets, hike the same trails, and shovel the same driveways. That’s why our customers know Elevated isn’t just selling cannabis, we’re helping Montana thrive.

The Elevated Promise



At Elevated, we believe cannabis should never feel complicated or intimidating. Whether you’re a first-time tourist, a Montana college student waiting to turn 21, or a veteran navigating tough choices, our budtenders are here to guide you with honesty and care.

The best way to find your fit isn’t online, it’s with a real conversation. Visit your nearest Elevated location in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, or beyond. Let us help you choose the right flower, edibles, or concentrates for your lifestyle.

FAQ

What if I drive to a county that banned sales?

That’s a real fear. Some Montana counties opted out of recreational sales. At Elevated, our store locator and budtender guidance make sure you never waste a drive; we’ll help you find the nearest county that’s cannabis-friendly.

I’m 18 and have a medical card. Can I shop anywhere?

Yes, medical patients 18+ can purchase statewide. The key is showing your medical marijuana card plus a government-issued ID. Even in counties that ban recreational sales, medical patients are protected.

Will my VA benefits or federal job be at risk?

This is a tough one. Cannabis remains federally illegal, meaning VA doctors can’t prescribe it, and federal employees may face restrictions. What we can do: help veterans make informed choices, use their veteran discount, and connect with community groups who advocate for safer access. Elevated does not share its customers’ personal information with anyone – so if you’re a veteran or federal employee, you can shop in privacy with us.

What if my kid (18–20) asks me to buy cannabis for them?

Even if they’re a legal adult, buying for someone under 21 without a medical card is illegal. Elevated budtenders regularly educate parents on this, protecting both families and our community.

How do I know I won’t get a fake or low-quality product?

At Elevated, every product, flower, edibles, concentrates is lab-tested, compliance-first, and Montana-grown. You won’t find “grubby” shops or sketchy imports here. Just clean, consistent cannabis, backed by our team’s expertise.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. Cannabis laws change frequently, and federal law still prohibits possession, sale, and use. Always check current Montana state regulations and consult a legal or medical professional before making decisions related to cannabis use. Elevated does not provide medical or legal advice.

References 



• Montana Cannabis Control Division. (2023). Cannabis laws and regulations in Montana. Montana.gov.
•  Leafly. (2023). Montana marijuana laws. Leafly.com.
•  MJBizDaily. (2023). U.S. cannabis market trends report. MJBizDaily.
• Montana Free Press. (2022). Counties opt in or out of recreational cannabis sales.
• Montanafreepress.org.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Cannabis (marijuana) research report. National Institutes of Health.