WYOMING  — With the legalization of marijuana in Montana and South Dakota, Wyoming now borders three states who have legalized recreational marijuana use. Colorado legalized marijuana in 2014. 

Montana voters passed two ballot initiatives on Tuesday, a requirement needed before recreational marijuana can become legalized in the state. On the ballot was an amendment proposal for the Montana Constitution, CI-118. The approval supports “amending the Montana Constitution to allow for the legislature or a citizen initiative to establish a minimum legal age for the possession, use, and purchase of marijuana.” 

The second initiative that passed was I-190, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative that, “supports legalizing the possession and use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21, imposing a 20% tax on marijuana sales, requiring the Department of Revenue to develop rules to regulate marijuana business, and allowing the resentencing or expungement of marijuana-related crimes.” 

Montana voters passed both items with nearly 57% support. Montana residents will be allowed to possess, use, and grow marijuana starting on January 1, 2021. 

Montana already allowed marijuana use for medical purposes, but in South Dakota voters passed two ballot measures and became the first state to pass both medical and recreational marijuana usage at the same time. 

Measure 26, “establishes a medical cannabis program and registration system for people with qualifying conditions, to grow and possess marijuana.” Amendment A also passed, amending the South Dakota Constitution to “legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana, and to require the legislature to pass laws regarding hemp as well as laws ensuring access to marijuana for medical use.” 

There are restrictions on these new laws. In Montana, advertising by a licensed dispensary is prohibited in any form. Businesses are allowed to have websites but may not “actively solicit consumers or out-of-state consumers through the website.” 

15 states now have legalized recreational marijuana or voted to legalize it; 36 states permit medical marijuana. 

Although three states surrounding Wyoming have legalized marijuana, in Wyoming, it is a misdemeanor to use, possess, or be under the influence of marijuana. Possession of more than 3 ounces is considered a felony.