Montana Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit to Block Legalization Initiative

The Montana Supreme Court has rejected a challenge by Wrong for Montana against the ballot initiative to legalize adult-use cannabis sales in the state, MTPR reports. The anti-legalization group argued that the question violates the state constitution because it appropriates funds which is not allowed by Montana initiatives under state law.

The legalization proposal – Initiative 190 – would establish a 20 percent tax on non-medical cannabis sales, directing the money to the state’s general fund and other programs.

J.D. “Pepper” Petersen, spokesperson for the pro-legalization group New Approach Montana, told the Missoulian that language in the initiative outlining where the taxes would be directed are a “suggestion” and that lawmakers will have the final say in how they are appropriated if the reforms are approved.