Montana
Debate rages over Montana bill to curb marijuana potency
BILLINGS — Thursday morning, the Montana Legislature held a hearing regarding several cannabis related bills, including SB 443.
If passed, that bill, which is in committee, would limit the THC concentration in a cannabis product.
Those in support say it would protect Montana youth from the hazards of addiction as well as severe damage on the mind and body. Opponents say it could hurt the local economy and consumers who rely on cannabis for medicinal properties.
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Debate rages over Montana bill to curb marijuana potency
The bill intends to reduce THC content in marijuana flower products from 35% to 15%, limit a single serving of edible marijuana to 10 milligrams of THC, and limit all other marijuana products to a concentration of 800 milligrams or less.
“This is a very important bill for the people of Montana, and I think we could send a good message too, across the United States,” said Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, at Thursday’s hearing.
The bill aims to reduce harm for Montana’s youth and their risk for addiction.
Elizabeth Pincolini, an opponent of the bill and owner of Billings Alternative Wellness, which helps people obtain medical marijuana licenses, says if the bill is passed then dispensaries would have to physically alter the chemical makeup of their flower.
According to Pincolini, commercial marijuana flowers contain hundreds of different chemicals, including THC. THC is what causes the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
“Just because you reduce the THC doesn’t mean you’re impacting the high,” she said Friday.
Mack Carmack, MTN News
By reducing the potency of the flower, Pincolini said dispensaries would go out of business trying to adjust the levels in their flower.
“To have dispensaries revamp how they grow is a huge problem. I mean it wipes out inventory. It really is a bad bill. It will affect consumers negatively as well as businesses,” she said.
Bill supporters, such as Steve Zabawa of Billings, believe it could positively impact the community by reducing addiction rates and protect the youth.
Mack Carmack, MTN News
“There’s not much healthy going on by putting a federally illegal drug in your body,” Zabawa said Friday.
Zabawa is the founder of SafeMontana, a group formed in opposition of pro-marijuana laws in Montana.
SafeMontana supports legislation to limit THC consumers to 21 and older, limiting THC potency to 10% or less, controlling revenue from cannabis products, and restricting advertisement for the marijuana industry.
“The problem (with drug usage) is it’s eventually death or life in addiction. Part of one of our bills with the allocation of (cannabis revenue) is to really step up treatment for longer time periods so we have better outcomes,” he said.
ByKECI•
Updated: July 2, 2026, 9:58 am EDTPublished: July 2, 2026, 9:18 am EDT3 hours ago
Thunderstorms continue for Northern Rockies, especially southwest Montana, with heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds. Highs mid-70s today, warming to 80s this weekend. Next week turns warmer and drier with highs reaching upper 80s to low 90s.
MISSOULA, Mont. — Amid recent flooding and ahead of wildfire season, Montana State Auditor James Brown is urging homeowners to make sure their homes are properly insured.
Brown said flooding is the leading cause of insurance peril in the nation and can happen year-round in Montana.
He said homeowners should not wait until flooding is imminent to seek coverage because there is typically a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect.
“Number one, by far the number one source of confusion related to flood insurance is the basic homeowners policy doesn’t cover flood damage, most Montanans may not know that,” said Brown.
Brown said some private flood insurance options exist, but the National Flood Insurance Program remains the main way Montanans can get covered.
He also said wildfire coverage is becoming less common in standard homeowners insurance policies and increasingly expensive.
Brown encouraged homeowners to be careful when shopping for the lowest-cost policy, because cheaper plans may offer less coverage or come with higher deductibles.
“That may not be enough to cover the loss if their house were to burn down, so one of the things we encourage as well is to talk to your agent about what the level of coverage that you have for your home to make sure that it’s fully insured so if you do have a fire or flood or some sort of peril, you’re able to replace your home,” said Brown.
Lower-cost policies may leave homeowners responsible for the first several thousand dollars in losses before insurance coverage begins.
Brown said homeowners should speak with their insurance agents to make sure their policies covers damages if a disaster occurs.
MISSOULA, Mont. — The University of Montana officially welcomed Dr. Jeremiah Shinn on Tuesday as the university’s 20th president.
Shinn’s tenure begins July 1.
“It’s my goal to lead UM in a way that makes this state proud,” Shinn said. “Together, we will build on our strengths to make UM even more aligned with the needs of students and the realities of today’s workforce.”
He joins the university after serving as interim president of Boise State University, where he led efforts aimed at enhancing student engagement, strengthening campus partnerships and expanding access to affordable education opportunities for students.
“President Shinn is a proven leader whose commitment to the success of students is unwavering,” said Clayton Christian, Montana commissioner of higher education. “He is a strong addition to the Montana University System, and I am confident he will maintain UM’s positive momentum while also steering the institution in new ways that will serve our state.”
The following was sent out by the University of Montana:
The University of Montana today officially welcomed Dr. Jeremiah Shinn as the 20th president of the flagship institution.
Shinn’s tenure leading UM begins July 1.
“It’s my goal to lead UM in a way that makes this state proud,” Shinn said. “Together, we will build on our strengths to make UM even more aligned with the needs of students and the realities of today’s workforce.”
Shinn joins UM after a successful tenure as the interim president of Boise State University, where he led efforts to enhance student engagement, strengthen campus partnerships and expand access to affordable education opportunities for students.
“President Shinn is a proven leader whose commitment to the success of students is unwavering,” said Clayton Christian, Montana commissioner of higher education. “He is a strong addition to the Montana University System, and I am confident he will maintain UM’s positive momentum while also steering the institution in new ways that will serve our state.”
Shinn takes the helm at UM during an important time, as the University prepares to welcome the class of 2030 to campus next month.
“Our students deserve a university built for the world they’re entering, not the one we’re leaving behind,” Shinn added. “At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, UM will meet this moment. Not with arguments, but with proof. In our work, in our graduates and in our service to Montana.”
Prior to serving as Boise State interim president, Shinn was vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. He also served as vice president for student affairs at Louisiana State University. Shinn earned a Ph.D. from Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Arts from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science from Arkansas Tech University.
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