A Montana judge has struck down a new cumulative fee on marijuana dispensaries after a group of businesses sued the state over the new law last year.
Helena Judge Mike Menahan issued the order on Jan. 5 following a lawsuit filed by Granite Peak Holdings, TSB Montana and MaraMint, all marijuana dispensaries operating in Montana.
In early 2023, state lawmakers passed House Bill 903, which created a cumulative fee schedule on each dispensary location, even if they operated under the same license. Fees also increased cumulatively for each location, so a first location would have a $5,000 fee, the second would have a $10,000 fee, a third would have a $15,000 fee and so on. The previous fee was $5,000 for each location operated by a licensee.
People are also reading…
Advertisement
Back in November, the state agreed to a 60-day pause on the new fee schedule. Menahan’s order strikes it down permanently.
Under the now-void law, a dispensary like Granite Peak would have paid a $280,000 dispensary renewal fee instead of $50,000 for its 10 locations, in addition to $245,000 for four newly opened locations.
Advertisement
Menahan’s order also dictates that any fees paid under the now-void cumulative assessment will be returned to the businesses that paid them.
In his order, Menahan wrote that the previous “fee generated sufficient fees to cover the costs to the Department (of Revenue) for implementing and enforcing the (Montana Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act).”
Holly Michels is the head of the Montana State News Bureau. You can reach her at holly.michels@lee.net
If a furry, playful, hugg-able, lovable kitten would be a great addition to your place, now’s the time to visit the Humane Society of Western Montana.
MEET BAKER AND BUSBOY
It was another Take Me Home Tuesday at the radio stations with the Humane Society. Katie brought in “Baker” (black kitty) and “Busboy” (gray kitty), who along with their two siblings “Chef” and “Cook” form a Fantastic Four of pure joy.
DENNY BEDARDKITTENS FOR ADOPTION IN MISSOULA
These two-month-old little ones were found in the Polson area and surrendered to the shelter. They just had their spay/neuter surgeries Monday (July 13) and they will be looking for their forever homes starting Wednesday (July 15).
DENNY BEDARDKITTENS FOR ADOPTION IN MISSOULA
Whether you are looking for one kitten or the whole “kitchen,” visit the shelter and fall in love with Baker, Busboy, Chef and Cook.
EVER CONSIDERED BEING A FOSTER HOME FOR SHELTER PETS?
It is kitten season at the Humane Society of Western Montana. The Humane Society is always looking for Fosters to take care of tiny kittens until they are old enough to be adopted. They currently have some that are with mom cats, and some that are bottle babies. And there is always a need for volunteers willing to nurture them until they are of adoption age.
Advertisement
And of course one of the perks of being a Foster is, if you fall in love with a kitten, you pretty much get first dibs.
READ MORE: Volunteers Hit ‘The Ridge’ To Improve Montana Elk Hunting Opportunities
So, whether you are looking to adopt or would like more information about being a foster home, be sure to visit the Humane Society of Western Montana soon. They are open from 1:00 – 6:00 pm Wednesdays through Sundays at 5930 Highway 93 South in Missoula. See more cats AND dogs waiting to be adopted on the shelter’s ADOPT webpage here.
LOOK: Can you tell the difference between these common pets?
Can you tell the difference between a hamster and a guinea pig? How about a betta and a guppy? Test your pet ID skills in our cute quiz.
HEBGEN LAKE, Mont. — A man was rescued after nearly drowning while swimming in Rainbow Point, located 10 miles north of West Yellowstone.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, along with Hebgen Basin Rural EMS personnel and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, responded to reports of a swimmer in distress.
Officials say bystanders saw a man become unresponsive while swimming roughly 100 yards off the shoreline.
They, along with a boating group, located the man, pulled him out of the water, and performed life-saving measures until first responders arrived.
Advertisement
The man was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Officials say he is in critical condition.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office released the following information:
