Montana voters legalized adult-use cannabis through I-190 in 2020, implemented by HB 701 in 2021. Yellowstone County opted in, so licensed adult-use sales are allowed in Billings subject to Billings Zoning Regulations and a state buffer.
Billings Municipal Zoning District regulations under BMC Title 27 govern where a Montana Department of Revenue licensed marijuana dispensary may locate. Section 27-1602 enforces the state-mandated buffer between dispensaries and schools, churches, and similar protected uses. Adult-use sales are generally limited to commercial and industrial zones, with conditional review in mixed-use areas. Yellowstone County voters did not pass a green-county opt-out, so adult-use retail is allowed countywide. Billings does not impose a separate municipal cap on dispensary numbers, but state license caps and the buffer rule sharply limit available parcels in older parts of the city.
Operating an unlicensed dispensary, locating within the buffer, or violating zoning conditions can lead to closure orders, state license revocation, and civil penalties under HB 701.
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See how Billings's dispensary zoning rules stack up against other locations.
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