MISSOULA, Mont. — In a move aimed at regulating the rapid growth of recreational marijuana dispensaries, the city of Missoula approved a temporary moratorium on new dispensaries.
Earlier in June, City Council heard from public health officials and was told for a city the size of Missoula five to 12 would be recommended.
Missoula currently hosts 51 recreational dispensaries, with an additional eight awaiting approval.
Concerns raised by health professionals at an earlier meeting in June emphasized the increased levels of THC in modern marijuana products, posing potential risks, especially to developing brains.
“I just think it’s important to hit pause while we continue to get our house in order,” said Ward 3 council member Gwen Jones. “Which is what we need to do.”
The moratorium will not affect dispensaries currently in the queue for a business license. New applications will be accepted until July 8.
A public hearing scheduled for July 8 will focus on amending the city code to regulate and plan for the future of dispensaries in the Garden City.
During the public comment, someone voiced frustration that there wasn’t the same scrutiny toward alcohol. Ward 4 council member Mike Nugent pointed out that there are limits for licenses for alcohol in the state,
