Montana's recreational marijuana retailers could face the threat of closure if a new bill proposed by a Republican lawmaker is passed. According to reports, the bill aims to shut down all marijuana shops in the state due to concerns over its addictive nature.
The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Derek Skees (R-Kalispell), claims that marijuana is an addictive substance and has no place in society as a legal drug. He argues that it poses risks and harms both individuals and communities.
"It's time for us to have a conversation about this drug," Skees said during his presentation of the bill on Wednesday. "Marijuana is an addictive substance that can lead people down dangerous paths."
If passed, House Bill 623 would repeal Initiative 190, which legalized recreational cannabis use in Montana last November. The measure received support from more than 56% of Montana voters.
Many advocates for legalizing cannabis have criticized the move as an attack on democracy and personal freedoms.
"Rep. Skees' proposal completely ignores what Montanans voted for just months ago," said Pepper Petersen, co-founder of New Approach Montana, which led efforts to legalize marijuana in the state.
According to Petersen, closing down dispensaries would harm businesses and create chaos within communities while pushing consumers towards unregulated sources or even criminal activities like drug trafficking.
Critics also argue that many studies suggest marijuana isn't physically addictive but instead may carry psychological dependence risks similar to those associated with alcohol or gambling.
The proposal comes at a time when several states are moving towards legalization following years-long campaigns by advocates who argue it can help combat racial disparities in arrests related to possession while generating significant tax revenue for governments amid economic hardships caused by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Whether House Bill 623 will pass remains unclear at this stage; however, its introduction certainly signals another round of debates and discussions over marijuana's legal status in Montana.