Is CBD Legal in Montana?
Hemp-derived CBD products are legal in the state of Montana and can be easily accessed over-the-counter across the state. As long as CBD is sourced from hemp, it is legal for possession and use in Montana.
Medical marijuana is also legally available to its residents under certain conditions. However, since it contains psychoactive effects, hemp-derived and cannabis-derived CBD, are treated differently. The good news is, a variety of CBD products can be seen all over Montana.
According to Guide to CBD, the state passed its medical marijuana program through Ballot Initiative 148. However, the initiative was opposed by House Bill 161 and was replaced by Senate Bill 243 making amendments to the Ballot Initiative 148. Again, it was opposed by the Initiative Referendum 124 in 2012 and 2016, Montana finalized the legislation on Marijuana under the Ballot Initiative 182.
Is CBD Oil Legal in Montana?
CBD hemp oil is completely legal in the state. H Residents can easily buy CBD for sale in Montana. Hemp-derived CBD products can be accessed without any prescription, physician certificate or recommendation. Cannabis oil, on the other hand, requires an MMJ card before residents can possess and use it.
Hemp-derived CBD oil has traces of THC below 0.3% and is legal in all 50 states across the US under the 2014 Farm Bill. However, state legislators can regulate the CBD laws on CBD hemp products. CBD oil derived from certain parts of the plant and has more than 0.3% THC content can only be used for medical marijuana and is treated differently from hemp-derived CBD.
Is it Legal to Buy CBD Products in Montana?
CBD oils come are sourced from marijuana and hemp. Both are available in the state. Hemp-derived CBD products are legal for possession and use in Montana while marijuana-derived CBD products can be accessed by qualified patients. Patients are required to have at least two state-licensed physicians.
State-licensed dispensaries that offer CBD can be found across the state. Most of the CBD shops are in Billings while others are located all over Montana. According to federal law, hemp can be farmed, processed, and sold. At the same time, academic researchers are also allowed to grow the hemp plant for research purposes.
Researchers and organizations have invested in funding research on CBD including its effects. Meanwhile, retailers continue to see CBD oil across the state. CBD oil is sold across the state with some CBD retail shops in Missoula, Columbia Falls, and East St. Helena among many others.
What Do the Laws and Regulations about CBD in Montana Specifically Say?
The state of Montana was one of the earliest states to legalize hemp for industrial use. The Agricultural Act of 2014 legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp for research.
A lobbyist from the Montana Farmers Union, Chris Christiaens, said that “as we see a small town, rural Montana getting smaller all the time, we need to be thinking about other uses of diverse crops that can allow these small towns and the people who live in these communities to survive.” Legislators believe that industrial hemp is one of the ways, especially as Montana’s neighbors are already getting money from industrial hemp.
Initiative 182 legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes in the state. The 2018 Farm Bill was signed by President Trump which exempted hemp and hemp-derived products exempt from the list of controlled substances.
Other Important Considerations When Buying CBD in Montana
Senate Bill 261 recognizes industrial hemp as an agricultural crop as long as the THC content is less than 0.3%. This bill also resulted in the state distribution of licenses legalizing the commercial cultivation of hemp.
Industrial hemp is only permitted for cultivation under the Industrial hemp Pilot Program and must be regulated by the Dept. of Agriculture. At the same time, farmers who want to grow industrial hemp should get seeds from the pilot program or any government-approved sources.
Meanwhile, when it comes to buying CBD oil, online shopping is the easiest and most convenient way to get your supply of hemp-derived CBD. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s credentials first before buying the product.
What are the 2019 News About CBD in Montana?
In an article released by MJ Biz Daily, Montana passed a bill to revise the medical marijuana laws that would eliminate a requirement where patients have only one provider. This could help boost sales by allowing patients to have easier access to medical cannabis.
This law also lets patients purchase MMJ from any provider with a limit of five ounces of supply per month or one ounce a day. In addition, it also set a new licensing fee on the amount of cannabis ranging from $500 to $20,000 annually.
In 2004, voters passed the Initiative 148 and in 2011, Senate Bill 423 was passed to expand the state’s list of qualifying medical conditions. In 2016, voters passed a bill that removed most of the restrictions and now allows patients to access medical marijuana easier. Patients must also have a written certificate from a doctor licensed under the medical marijuana program.
The qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana include cancer, cachexia, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, seizures, and severe nausea among many others. Initiative 182 also added post-traumatic stress disorder to be included in the list of qualifying conditions.
Conclusion
Residents in Montana can now find some peace of mind knowing they can now access marijuana for medical purposes. State lawmakers are focusing on improving Montana’s current medical marijuana program. In the meantime, the use and possession of marijuana for recreational purposes still remains as another story.
Currently, Montana residents and consumers can easily buy and access CBD products across the state. Meanwhile, those who want to access CBD products with high THC levels can check out the state-licensed dispensaries. The laws and regulations surrounding CBD including marijuana and hemp-derived products continue to change from time to time. Hence, residents should always do their research and stay updated on the laws before buying CBD in Montana.