Should Recreational Weed Be Voted On, Again, In Billings?
As we head into the weekend, I was catching up on the local news and information today... and came across an article from the Billings Gazette highlighting Steve Zabawa, owner of Rimrock Auto Group, once again in front of our county leaders trying to get ANOTHER vote on legal recreational weed in Yellowstone County.
Why Does This KEEP Coming Up?
In the article, Steve claimed to the County Commissioners that there was "major confusion" over the ballot language previously, and wants our commissioners to "keep it simple" this time and give voters a FOURTH chance to vote legal recreational weed out.
Marijuana has been legal in Montana recreationally since it was voted in back in 2020, and medically since 2004. But yet, Steve keeps tooting his horn about how bad Marijuana is. Steve also said to the commissioners "They're pushing drugs, federally illegal drugs, on our families" by taking advantage of advertising (something we know a LOT about) and there are too many recreational options around the county.
So... are we voting... again!?!
Thankfully, once Steve got his words out, the commissioners said "We've exhausted the issue" and "Yellowstone County residents are voting with their dollars"... so it sounds like Steve is just barking up a tree that isn't listening.
And, let's be real here. Marijuana isn't the issue in Yellowstone County or Montana. It's the hard drugs such as Meth, Fentanyl, and more that are causing us headaches. Oh, not to mention the fact Cannabis Sales (according to MTRevenue.gov) show since JUST January 2022, the estimated taxes collected statewide were...
$99,809,698
Though, interestingly, the stats show Medical sales declining steadily, and Adult-Use (recreational) increasing. Maybe people are just tired of renewing their medical cards... or other options are being found.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Do you think we need ANOTHER vote on this? Is it worth losing MILLIONS of dollars in revenue? Let us know on App Chat or on Facebook.