Regulators prohibit new medical marijuana dispensary licenses in Billings, Montana

Just Released! Get realistic market forecasts, state-by-state insights and benchmarks with the new 2024 MJBiz Factbook member program, now with quarterly updates. Make informed decisions.


The Montana state health department said it won’t allow new medical marijuana dispensary licenses in Billings, the state’s largest city.

The Billings Gazette reported the health agency is deferring to the city’s ordinance that requires licensed Billings businesses to follow federal law – a provision that would bar MMJ dispensaries from being permitted.

A state inspector said new or existing businesses seeking approval or renewal must either be located outside Billings or have a valid permit from the city.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Two existing medical marijuana dispensaries in Billings – Montana Organic Medical Supply and Montana Advanced Caregivers – have taken legal action against the city to remain open, but their lawsuits are pending.
  • The two MMJ businesses with pending lawsuits would likely have to be grandfathered in to be allowed to conduct business in the city.
  • MMJ patients who live in Billings are still allowed to possess and consume medical cannabis.