By Jennifer Stoneking, Missoula
This November, Montanans will be able to vote on the initiatives I-190 and CI-118 to legalize recreational marijuana. I-190 details the legalization, regulation, and taxation while CI-118 sets the legal minimum age for purchase and consumption at 21. Even if you don’t partake in using recreational marijuana, doing your part to pass these initiatives would provide Montanans with the services they deserve, at no expense of your own.
The 20% tax on all purchases of recreational marijuana would provide around $47.2 million dollars of tax revenue a year, with over $23.3 million going to land conservation efforts. The other $23.9 million is allocated for veterans’ services, local governments, substance abuse services, and senior and disability services. As the former Director of the UM Women’s Resource Center, I am able to see how voting yes on both measures would be immensely beneficial to our Treasure State and protect our most vulnerable Montanans.