SB 443: The Potency Cap Proposal
Senate Bill 443 drew the most headlines in 2025. The measure would have banned cannabis products over 15% THC, effectively removing most
flower strains and concentrates from Montana shelves. Lawmakers framed the cap as a public health safeguard, citing concerns about mental health and youth access.
Opponents, including patients, veterans, and industry leaders, pushed back hard. They argued there was no scientific basis for a 15% threshold and warned the law would destroy Montana’s legal cannabis market while reviving the black market. In March 2025, the Senate narrowly voted down the bill, calling it too extreme.
HB 636: General Cannabis Law Revisions
House Bill 636 was less controversial but far-reaching. Introduced in late 2024 and signed into law in May 2025, HB 636 revised Montana’s cannabis regulations. Key updates included streamlined licensing rules, clarified compliance requirements for dispensaries, and adjustments to enforcement.
For consumers, HB 636 didn’t change day-to-day access but aimed to create clearer, more consistent oversight. For businesses, the bill reduced some bureaucratic red tape while reinforcing Montana’s compliance-first standards.
HB 952: Tribal Cannabis Compacts
House Bill 952 represented a milestone for tribal sovereignty. Passed in April 2025, the law authorizes tribes and the governor’s office to enter cannabis compacts, modeled after tribal gaming agreements. These compacts allow tribes to negotiate tax revenue sharing, licensing rights, and cultivation limits.
Advocates celebrated the bill as a chance for tribes to overcome restrictive barriers from earlier cannabis laws, which limited their operations to small canopies and locations far from their communities. For tribal entrepreneurs, HB 952 marked a long-overdue opportunity for economic development and local control.
SB 255: Registration Card Fees
Another controversial proposal, Senate Bill 255, sought to require annual $200 recreational registration cards. Supporters said the measure would raise revenue and improve tracking. Critics argued it would create an unnecessary barrier, making cannabis less affordable and accessible, especially for low-income Montanans.
As of September 2025, SB 255 has not passed into law. However, its introduction signals continued pressure from some lawmakers to impose new costs on cannabis consumers.
Community Pushback on THC Caps
When SB 443 threatened to cap cannabis at 15% THC, the backlash was immediate. Every day Montanans described it as “government overreach,” and the proposal united recreational users, medical patients, and veterans in opposition. Veterans in particular argued that potency caps would limit their access to effective relief for PTSD and chronic pain, potentially driving them back to illicit markets.
Rural Access and Equity
For customers in rural areas, from Havre to Wolf Point, legislation is more than politics; it’s about access. Many already drive hours to reach a dispensary. Bills like SB 443 or SB 255 raised fears that lawmakers were making cannabis less accessible for those who need it most, while urban residents in Billings or Missoula would feel less impact.
A Win for Tribal Communities
HB 952 was celebrated as a breakthrough. By allowing tribes to negotiate compacts, the law removed restrictive barriers that had previously locked tribes out of meaningful participation in Montana’s cannabis industry. For many, this bill wasn’t just about economics; it was about sovereignty, fairness, and opportunity.
Grounded in Montana, Growing for You
Montana’s cannabis laws may shift from session to session, but Elevated’s commitment remains steady: high-quality, accessible cannabis
made by Montanans, for Montanans.
While lawmakers debate caps, fees, and licensing,
Elevated continues to focus on what customers actually need:
- 70+ in-house flower strains grown in Montana’s own soil and indoor facilities.
- Bakery-made edibles crafted with precision for consistent, reliable dosing.
- Lab-tested concentrates and cartridges that guarantee purity and compliance.
- Budtender-led education, where guidance comes from real conversations, not menus.
This local-first approach matters when the legal environment feels uncertain. Because
Elevated grows, bakes, and gets its products tested with a reliable testing facility trusted by the state, customers know exactly what they’re getting: safe, effective cannabis that reflects Montana values.
Budtender Walk-Through: How to Stay Informed & Shop Smart in 2025
