If you’ve been holding off on visiting a dispensary in Montana, we get it—after all, legal cannabis is still pretty new here. With changing laws and varying county rules, it’s easy to feel a little lost or even intimidated. But don’t worry—that’s where we come in.
In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about shopping at both medical and recreational dispensaries in Montana. Though some counties opted out of adult-use sales, we’ll fill you in on where to buy, how to pay, and the rules for traveling with cannabis in Big Sky Country.
We’ll be sure to cover all your burning questions, including:
- What do I need to bring to a Montana dispensary?
- What types of products will I find?
- Is Montana-grown cannabis tested for safety?
- How much can I legally buy and possess?
…and so much more. Ready to become a Montana cannabis pro? Let’s dive in!
What to Bring to a Montana Dispensary
In Montana, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase recreational cannabis—no exceptions. So, the most important thing you’ll need is a valid, government-issued photo ID that proves your eligibility.
Along with your ID, if you’re shopping for medical cannabis, which comes with the perk of lower taxes, you’ll need your up-to-date Montana-issued medical marijuana card, which allows patients 18 years of age and older to legally purchase medical marijuana products. Montana does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state visitors at this time, but you can still purchase recreational products.
One more thing: Payment. Bring cash or a debit card to use at our on-site ATM. While some dispensaries accept cards, Montana cannabis sales are still mostly cash-only.
What You’ll Find on Montana Dispensary Menus
Back when Montana dispensaries were medical-only, state law required them to be vertically integrated, meaning they could only sell cannabis they grew themselves. But today, dispensaries have the freedom to offer a diverse selection of products from other top Montana growers.
Whether it’s our own premium strains or hand-selected products from trusted partners, we’re all about bringing you the very best Montana has to offer. Here’s what you’ll find on our dispensary shelves—and what you’ll typically see at shops across the state:
Homegrown Flower
When it comes to cannabis, flower reigns supreme. It’s the dried buds of the female cannabis plant, and it’s the classic way to enjoy the plant. With hundreds of strains available, flower is typically categorized into three main types:
- Indica: Known for its deeply relaxing, body-centered high—typically consumed at the end of a long day.
- Sativa: Offers many sativa fans an energizing, uplifting experience that can be great for sparking focus or creativity.
- Hybrid: Most strains found in Montana dispensaries fall into this category, blending indica and sativa effects for a balanced experience.
Cannabis flower is often sold in bulk amounts, measured in either grams or fractions of an ounce:
- 1/8th ounce — an “eighth”
- 1/4th ounce — a “quarter”
- 1/2th ounce — a “half”
- 1 ounce — a “full ounce”
For those new to cannabis, it’s usually recommended to sample different types of flower in gram amounts. Starting with an eighth of an ounce can be a great economical option, but if you’re unsure of how you’ll enjoy a strain, a gram will be your best bet.
Prices will vary widely for each amount, depending on the specific strain, location it’s sold, and overall quality.
Find Your Perfect Flower | Read our complete guide to cannabis flower.
Fresh Pre-Rolls
When you’re on the go and craving a seamless cannabis experience, nothing beats a perfectly rolled pre-roll. These ready-to-smoke joints come in various strains and styles, making them an effortless way to enjoy top-tier Montana flower without the fuss of rolling your own.
Whether you’re looking for a quick solo sesh or something to share with friends, pre-rolls offer convenience, consistency, and quality—all in one tightly packed package. They typically come in 1 – 1.5 grams in either a single rolled pre-roll or two-pack, but many brands also offer larger packs. Grab one (or a few!) pre-rolls and spark up the easy way.
Potent Concentrates
Relatively new on the cannabis scene, concentrates are one of the most exciting and powerful products out there. By extracting potent cannabinoids and flavorful terpenes from bulk flower, concentrates pack a serious punch in a tiny package.
With THC levels sometimes reaching 90%, these powerhouse products boast intense effects and bold flavors, so they’re best approached with caution and respect, especially for those new to concentrates. A little goes a long way.
Start Your Concentrate Journey | Read our complete guide to cannabis concentrates.
Convenient Vapes
A true game-changer in cannabis tech, vape pens offer a sleek and convenient alternative to smoking. These high-tech devices vaporize cannabis concentrates, producing a cooling mist instead of smoke—perfect for those who want a smoother experience without the harshness.
Tasty Edibles
Believe it or not, one of the most popular ways to enjoy cannabis is by eating it. From cookies and brownies to mints, gummies, pretzels, and even beverages, edibles offer a fun, flavorful, and long-lasting way to experience cannabinoids like THC and CBD. With so many tasty options, there’s a perfect edible for everyone.
Dig Into Infused Edibles | Read our complete guide to cannabis edibles.
Supplies & Accessories
No matter how you enjoy cannabis, the right accessories make all the difference. Whether you need lighters and rolling paper for a classic smoke session or hand pipes, dab rigs, and more, having the right tools ensures a smooth experience.
A well-stocked Montana dispensary (like ours!) will have plenty of options, so you can find everything you need in one stop.
Is Montana Cannabis Tested?
When it comes to cannabis, quality and safety are non-negotiable. That’s why Montana law requires every cannabis product sold in dispensaries to undergo rigorous testing for mold, pesticides, residual solvents, and other contaminants.
Simply put—if we wouldn’t smoke it, we wouldn’t let you smoke it either. Shop confidently, knowing every product on our shelves meets the highest safety standards.
Meet Your Budtenders
Dispensary staff are known as budtenders, and they’re more than just friendly faces—they’re trained experts in cannabis styles, strains, and uses, ready to help answer any questions you have. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, they have the knowledge to guide you to the perfect product.
Can you tip your budtender? Absolutely! While tipping is always a personal choice, it’s a great way to show appreciation—especially if they’ve gone above and beyond to enhance your experience.
Common Dispensary Perks
Like any great business, dispensaries in Montana love to reward their customers with special offers and exclusive deals. Here are some of the most common perks you’ll find:
- Reward Programs: Many dispensaries (including Seed of Life Labs!) offer loyalty programs that give back to frequent shoppers. Earn points with every purchase and unlock exclusive discounts and rewards!
- Daily Deals & Promos: Looking for the best time to shop? Many dispensaries offer daily specials to highlight certain products. At Seed of Life Labs, for example, you’ll get 20% off edibles every Monday and 20% off concentrates every Saturday.
- Special Offers for Select Groups: Certain community members can access unique savings. These usually include veterans, seniors, and first-time shoppers—all entitled to special discounts at Seed of Life.
Want to see what’s on special today? Head to our online menus to check out our latest deals and start saving!
How Much Can I Purchase & Possess?
Montana cannabis laws allow customers to purchase and possess up to:
- 1 ounce of cannabis flower
- 800 milligrams of THC-infused products like edibles, capsules, topicals, or tinctures
- 8 grams or 8 milliliters of concentrates
Recreational consumers in Montana not only have purchase limits but also THC potency restrictions. For instance, flower may not exceed 35% THC, and a single serving of an edible cannabis product may not exceed 10 milligrams of THC.
Recreational cannabis purchases are taxed at a flat 20%, with some Montana counties adding a Local Option Tax (capped at 3%) on top. Medical cannabis users, on the other hand, enjoy a much lower tax rate of just 4%.
Are My Cannabis Purchases Tracked?
Short answer: No. Under Montana law, the state does not track or record your personal information beyond verifying your age at the time of purchase. That said, while the purchase limits apply per transaction, remember that you can’t legally possess more than the allowed amount at any one time. So, while multiple purchases are possible, stockpiling cannabis is not permitted.
How to Pay at Montana Dispensaries
Since cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, most banks and credit card companies won’t process dispensary transactions, making cannabis sales primarily cash-only. However, some Montana dispensaries have found workarounds. Certain locations have agreements with specific credit card services, while others accept Pay by Bank, a debit-style payment system designed specifically for cannabis purchases.
While cash is always a safe bet, it’s worth checking with your dispensary to see what other payment options might be available.
Traveling with Your Purchases
Just grabbed your favorite products? Here’s how to legally transport them home:
- Keep it Sealed: Your cannabis must remain in its unopened, original packaging.
- Store it Properly: Cannabis cannot be in the passenger area of your car. Instead, place it in a locked glove compartment, trunk or luggage compartment, truck bed, or other cargo area.
Following these rules keeps you compliant with Montana law and ensures a safe, hassle-free trip home. Drive responsibly, and enjoy!
Montana Dispensary Hours
State law regulates when dispensaries can operate, meaning medical and recreational dispensaries in Montana can’t open before 9:00 am or stay open past 8:00 pm. Be sure to check with your local dispensary for their specific hours within this timeframe.
Shop Montana’s Favorite Dispensaries at Seed of Life
Starting your cannabis journey can feel a little intimidating, but with recreational cannabis legal in Montana, there’s no reason to hesitate. Dispensaries offer a welcoming, informative shopping experience with a wide range of products to suit every taste, preference, and budget.
If you’re ready to explore, grab your essentials and stop by—our friendly budtenders are here to help guide you every step of the way. If you still have questions about dispensary shopping in Montana, check out our comprehensive guide to Montana’s state cannabis laws or visit any Seed of Life Labs location for expert advice. We’re always happy to help!
