One new bill, so many wins. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte recently signed House Bill 701, a milestone legislation for cannabis users, Montanans with cannabis-related convictions, and Montanans seeking recovery and treatment for drug addiction.
The new law permits retail sales of recreational marijuana for Montanans 21 and older. It also implements a 20 percent tax on recreational cannabis, while medical maintains its 5 percent tax. Fortunately, the heavy tax on recreational pot was drafted with the welfare of Montana citizens at top of mind. The state will use the millions of dollars accumulated each year from marijuana sales to support a drug treatment program known as the HEART Fund (Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment). Governor Gianforte demonstrates a refreshing eagerness to accommodate the wants and needs of Montana citizens by actively listening to voters, and finding solutions that benefit the state in more ways than one.
Additionally, HB 701 calls for greater fairness within the Montana Justice System by creating a special drug court to reanalyze and even re-sentence or expunge previous cannabis-related offenses. Montana legislators clearly recognize the cruelty of the state’s previous marijuana laws and are taking action to support the wellbeing of all Montanans, including those with criminal records.
There is always hope for a better future. Easy Expunctions offers a seamless record-clearing process, so you can stop worrying about a past conviction and start planning for your future. Visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com for more information!