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Lawmakers, Lobbyists Press for Answers over Consolidation of MT Alcohol, Weed Regulators

On July 22, 2025, Montana lawmakers and industry representatives met to discuss merging the Alcoholic Beverage Control and Cannabis Control divisions under one Cannabis and Alcohol Regulation Division .
The planned consolidation follows five years since adult-use marijuana legalization in 2021 and aims to improve efficiency amid concerns over regulatory complexities and overlapping product lines like THC-infused beverages.
The head of Montana's revenue department outlined plans to merge the two programs under a single administrator while preserving them as distinct bureaus, each retaining their current staffing levels of 30 to 40 employees.
Beatty assured that the impact on both residents and business owners would remain unchanged, while Montana Cannabis Guild CEO Pepper Petersen emphasized the need for guarantees that improved efficiencies would not come at the expense of service quality.
The consolidation could enable more consistent oversight and readiness for emerging products, but some lawmakers and industry members remain cautious about potential disruptions despite no planned layoffs.

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11 Articles

Montana Standard

+3 Reposted by 3 other sources

Center

Lawmakers, lobbyists press for answers over consolidation of MT alcohol, weed regulators

“I think these two bureaus and agencies are so different and so volatile. … We should keep things the way they are,” said House Speaker Brandon Ler, R-Savage.

3 days ago

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KTVH

+5 Reposted by 5 other sources

Center

Montana looks to combine alcohol, marijuana oversight in single division

For the last four years, the Montana Department of Revenue has been responsible for regulating both alcohol and marijuana businesses in the state. Now, department leaders are planning to bring both under a single division though some in those industries are apprehensive about the move.(Watch the video for more about what's changing and what isn't in alcohol and marijuana regulation.) Montana looks to combine alcohol and marijuana oversightCurren…

4 days ago

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Missoula Current

Montana looks to combine alcohol, pot oversight in one division

Department leaders are planning to bring both under a single division – though some in those industries are apprehensive about the move. Continue reading…

4 days ago

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