Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations

Recreational cannabis sales in Montana neared $16 million in March

Marijuana in jars on a shop shelf.
iStock
/

Montana recreational cannabis sales approached $16 million last month. Sales in March were the strongest yet since the sale of recreational marijuana was legalized in January.

According to Montana Department of Revenue data, that nearly $16 million in recreational marijuana sales represents a roughly $2.3 million bump over February’s receipts.

A 2020 University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research study said Montana’s fledgling recreational cannabis industry could rack up over $200 million in sales this year. If, as some Montana cannabis industry insiders expect, recreational pot sales strengthen during the summer tourist season, sales may well soon exceed projections.

Consumer interest in recreational marijuana this year has consistently outpaced medicinal cannabis.

Combined, first quarter sales have reeled in nearly $10 million in tax revenue for the state.

O’Brien first landed at Montana Public Radio three decades ago as a news intern while attending the University of Montana School of Journalism. His first career job out of school was covering the 1995 Montana Legislature. When the session wrapped up, O’Brien was fortunate enough to land a full-time position at the station as a general assignment reporter. Feel free to drop him a line at edward.obrien@umt.edu.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information

Call 800-325-1565 or 406-243-6400