Last verified: March 2026 · CARD License Search
Montana's Cannabis Retail Landscape
Montana has one of the most robust dispensary networks in the nation relative to its population. Approximately 557 licensed dispensaries serve a population of 1.1 million — roughly 49 dispensaries per 100,000 residents, among the highest rates nationally. This density reflects Montana's craft-oriented market structure, where a license moratorium prevents new entrants and existing operators are 100% Montana-owned.
The market encompasses 214 dispensary operators at 465 retail locations, 228 cultivators at 343 sites, 159 manufacturers, 3 testing laboratories, 9 transporters, and 5,834 permitted workers. Average flower price has dropped to $5.34/gram (down 32% from $7.83 at launch), making Montana one of the most affordable legal markets.
Any adult 21+ with a valid government-issued photo ID can purchase cannabis at any licensed Montana dispensary. Tourists have the same purchase rights as Montana residents.
Browse by Region
How to Verify a License
Before purchasing, you can verify any dispensary's license through CARD's database. Every licensed establishment in Montana is tracked through the Metrc seed-to-sale system and registered with the Department of Revenue.
The Green County Requirement
Recreational dispensaries operate only in green counties — the 28 counties that voted for I-190 in 2020. Red counties (the other 28) can have medical dispensaries only, unless voters opt in to recreational sales. Green counties contain over 80% of Montana's population, so most visitors will find dispensaries accessible. See our Green & Red Counties guide for the complete map.
Notable Cities Without Recreational Dispensaries
Billings, Montana's largest city, voted to ban adult-use dispensaries in November 2021. Yellowstone County later approved recreational sales (June 2022, 55%), but Billings city limits remain restricted. The city allows only 8 medical dispensaries via lottery. Great Falls has zoned out most cannabis businesses, and Kalispell restricted dispensaries to industrial areas.
What You Need to Know Before Buying
- Age requirement: 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID
- Per-transaction limit: 1 oz flower, 8g concentrates, or 800mg THC edibles
- Tax: 20% state excise + up to 3% local (medical: 4% + local)
- THC cap: 35% flower for recreational; no cap for medical
- Cash recommended: Many dispensaries are cash-only or cash-preferred due to federal banking restrictions. ATMs typically on-site.
- Exit packaging: Products must remain in sealed original packaging. Treat like an open container when transporting.
Market Trends
- Product mix: Flower 42%, concentrates 36%, pre-rolls growing fastest
- Annual sales: ~$327 million (2025)
- Price trend: $5.34/gram average, down from $7.83 at launch
- Seasonal swing: 25% higher sales in summer tourist months
Do not bring cannabis to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, national forests, or BLM land. Cannabis on federal land is a federal misdemeanor. Read our National Park Warning before traveling with cannabis.
Possession Limits Quick Reference
| Category | Recreational (21+) | Medical (with card) |
|---|---|---|
| Flower | 1 ounce per transaction | 1 oz/day, 5 oz/month |
| Concentrates | 8 grams | No potency cap |
| Edibles | 800 mg THC (100mg/pkg, 10mg serving → 5mg July 2026) | No potency cap |
| Home plants | 2 mature + 2 seedlings (4+4 per household) | 4 mature + 4 seedlings each |
| Tax rate | 20% + up to 3% local | 4% |
Flower THC capped at 35% for recreational. HB 636 reduces edible servings to 5mg effective July 1, 2026.
Official Sources
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org