How Montana’s 20% recreational cannabis sales tax will be divided

BOZEMAN - It's been busy for marijuana dispensaries as they wrap up the first few days of recreational marijuana sales across the state.

Sales have already topped millions of dollars across Montana but the question now comes over how that 20% sales tax will be split.

When it comes to the 20% sales tax on recreational marijuana, the state will place $6 million of the tax revenue toward the Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment (HEART) program.

The goal of the program is aimed at substance abuse prevention, mental health promotion and increasing treatment rather than jail time.

Once the $6 million is surpassed, the remaining revenue will be split among several programs across the state.

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) will get 20% for wildlife habitat funding, and State Parks, Trails, and Nongame Wildlife Programs will each get 4% each.

Three percent, or $200,000 — whichever happens to be less — will go toward veterans and their surviving spouses.

A total of $150,000 will also go toward crisis treatment training and the remainder of the funds will go toward the state's General Fund.