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Billings, MT Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Adult-use dispensaries
Prohibited citywide
Medical dispensary cap
8 licenses citywide
Location rule
Must meet all zoning requirements
Co-location ban
No alcohol, food, massage, dance hall sites
Legal basis
MCA 16-12-301 local opt-out

Summary

Billings voters opted out of recreational marijuana in 2021, so adult-use dispensaries can't open or operate anywhere in city limits: only capped, zoning-compliant medical dispensaries are allowed.

As authorized by MCA 16-12-301, and based upon the November 2, 2021, election results, adult-use dispensaries are prohibited from opening or operating within the city limits. This section does not prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries operating in compliance with state law and city code, including licensing requirements and zoning restrictions.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Under Sec. 7-1702, adult-use (recreational) dispensaries are prohibited citywide, invoking the local-option opt-out in MCA 16-12-301 after the November 2, 2021 election. Medical marijuana dispensaries remain legal but are capped at eight licenses citywide (Sec. 7-2022(b)), awarded by lottery, and each licensed premises must meet all zoning requirements and cannot co-locate with an alcohol establishment, massage/spa business, dance hall, amusement establishment, or food establishment (Sec. 7-2024(3)).

Violations & Fines

Operating a prohibited adult-use dispensary is deemed a public nuisance, subject to criminal penalty under Sec. 1-110 and civil abatement action under Sec. 18-301 et seq. (Sec. 7-1703).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a recreational marijuana dispensary in Billings?
No. Billings voters rejected recreational sales in the November 2021 election, and Sec. 7-1702 bans adult-use dispensaries from opening or operating anywhere in city limits.
How many medical marijuana dispensaries can operate in Billings?
No more than eight medical marijuana dispensary licenses may be authorized at any one time, issued through a lottery under Sec. 7-2022 and Sec. 7-2023.

Sources & Official References

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All Billings rules

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