Dispensaries are Good for Bozeman

Before recreational marijuana was legalized in January of 2021, I remember seeing medical dispensaries everywhere. After recreational legalization, the number of dispensaries in Bozeman only grew, becoming a noticeable part of the city’s identity. This raises an important question: Why does Bozeman have so many dispensaries?

According to the Montana Department of Revenue, Bozeman has 54 dispensaries. In comparison, Billings has 45, Great Falls has 15, Helena has 24, Kalispell has 25 and Missoula has 51.

For me, the most puzzling piece of this data was that Billings wasn’t in the lead, as it is the largest city in Montana. Perhaps Bozeman has the most dispensaries because of local factors like zoning laws, public sentiment or how licensing works in different counties.

An article from Politico outlines how California’s weed industry is stunted by the bureaucratic process. It says that “complicated local rules, understaffed city departments and slow communication with state regulators have made starting a weed business in California a protracted and risky ordeal.” Having read that, I wondered if Montana’s marijuana industry growth was stunted in a similar way.

The Montana Code Annotated (MCA) specifically outlines that applicants must meet strict requirements, including local government approval in certain counties. For instance, MCA 16-12-224 states, “an applicant for a dispensary license shall demonstrate that the local government approval provisions have been satisfied in the jurisdiction where each proposed dispensary is located.” This means that dispensaries can't simply open anywhere — they need approval from both state regulators and local governments, especially in counties where voters may have been more hesitant to embrace recreational legalization.

Billings provides a good example of a county that fought against legalization. According to the City of Billings website, the Billings City Council adopted Ordinance 21-5785 on Nov. 11, 2021, which established more regulatory barriers for marijuana businesses. The Ordinance allows for only eight medical marijuana dispensaries within city limits. In Bozeman, on the other hand, such an ordinance does not exist, and there is no cap on licenses that the city will give out.

This lax regulatory environment has allowed dispensaries to become a more common fixture in Bozeman. As a result, marijuana-based businesses are increasingly visible throughout the city, contributing to the normalization of dispensaries in everyday life. The growing presence of dispensaries within the community has reduced the stigma around marijuana use, integrating it into the city’s commercial landscape.

In fact, this normalization can lead to more open, informed conversations about responsible use and the medicinal benefits of marijuana. Similar to how the end of prohibition made liquor stores more commonplace, the same trend is happening with marijuana. Bozeman’s high dispensary count is simply a reflection of this societal shift.

While it’s crucial to approach weed use responsibly and safely, the increased number of dispensaries in Bozeman is ultimately a positive development. Licensed dispensaries are regulated to ensure product safety, reducing the risks of black-market sales. The availability of legal marijuana reduces stigma and promotes more open, informed conversations about weed use.

While it’s important to remain vigilant about issues like underage access and impaired driving, the shift toward legalization and regulation is a step in the right direction, helping to create a healthier, more transparent environment for weed consumers in Bozeman.