Proposal Would Have Tribal Governments Approve Cannabis Stores

House District 31 Rep. Frank Smith, D-Poplar, is the sponsor of a proposed bill that would authorize tribal governments to approve cannabis stores on reservations.

As of last week, Smith said the bill still hasn’t been written and he’s not positive what the proposal will all include.

Smith explained the issue was brought up during a tribal organization’s meeting involving state legislators.

“It seems like Wolf Point has too many cannabis stores,” Smith said of feelings expressed about the meeting. “They seem to think that six is too much in Wolf Point.”

Smith said the bill would allow local tribal government the authority to approve cannabis stores opening.

Wolf Point currently has six cannabis stores. According to city ordinance, the limit is three stores, but three others were “grandfathered” in prior to the resolution taking effect.

“If three of them closed down, we won’t be allowed by current ordinances to have anymore,” Wolf Point Mayor Chris Dschaak said. “That’s solely in the city limits.”

Dschaak said he doesn’t have a problem with the proposed bill giving tribal governments authority to approve cannabis stores opening throughout the reservation.

The last three months of 2024 showed steady increases in Roosevelt County for cannabis sales. Estimated sales were $540,890 for October, $565,525 in November and $596,144 in December. The figure for December translates to $19,230 spent daily.

Smith’s proposal is one of several bills being considered regarding marijuana this session. Other proposals’ topics include revising laws relating to marijuana advertising, revising licensing laws, reallocating Montana marijuana tax revenue, providing a marijuana education and prevention program and enhancing public safety through marijuana revenues.