Montana Medical Cannabis Card Prices Plummet to $5

The price of a medical marijuana card in Montana has plunged more than 90% in the run-up to when the state’s dispensaries must shut their doors at the end of August.

Montana’s health department slashed the price of the cards to $5 from $75 for new or renewing patients, broadcaster KTVQ in Billings reported. The change took effect on Saturday.

The state’s dispensaries must close on August 31 after the Montana State Supreme Court issued an adverse ruling for the industry on a 2011 law that was intended to shutter dispensaries statewide.

Although the forced closure will mean at least the temporary death of the state’s MMJ industry, a potential ballot measure by the Montana Cannabis Industry Association could revive dispensaries if it makes the November ballot – and voters give it the thumbs up.

In the meantime, the drop in prices for MMJ cards could lead to a short but potent uptick in the number of patients, which could help dispensaries unload their inventory.

After that, MMJ providers and caregivers will be legally limited to three patients apiece, making the dispensary business models unworkable.