Happy December from the Cannabis Control Division (CCD)!
In this edition, you will read about the following:
New Inspectors
We have three new inspectors joining our team: Jon DeCelles, left, located in Missoula, Mike LaBaty, center, located in Bozeman, and Jackson Lang, right, located in Helena.
They are excited to meet you and begin working with you.
New Cannabis Education Specialist
Amanda Dunn is the new Cannabis Education Specialist for the division. Amanda is currently creating cannabis industry education programs including education programs on Human Trafficking and Rules and Regulations for Legal Sales of Marijuana.
Keep an eye out for more information on education programs in a future newsletter.
Welcome Packet
We are compiling a welcome packet for all current cannabis licensees. The packet will contain more information on what to expect in the coming weeks regarding the transition to the adult-use market.
You will also be receiving a printed temporary license for your business.
Please keep an eye on your mailbox as the packet will be sent out soon.
Red and Green County Information
Every current licensee should have received a letter from the department confirming if they are to remain medical only at their dispensaries because you are either in a red county or you applied for a license after November 3, 2020. If you are considered a former medical marijuana licensee (FMML) in a green county, you are able to participate in adult-use sales as of January 1, 2022.
The department will be requiring signage to be clearly posted on all dispensaries notifying the public of who can purchase at the location. We will also be updating our website to indicate which locations are medical only and which sell both medical and adult-use.
Please contact the CCD if you have questions about your dispensaries designation.
Transition from Complia to the TransAction Portal (TAP)
We will be transitioning from Complia to the department’s TransAction Portal at the end of December.
Complia will be unavailable as of December 27 during the transition.
The TransAction Portal will be available as of January 3, 2022.
This change will not affect the availability of METRC for tracking activities, including sales.
Fire and Building Code Requirements
The compliance requirements for fire and building code regulations will be addressed at your next renewal, not on January 1, 2022.
We encourage you to be proactive and begin working with fire and code officials well in advance of your renewal date.
Scams
We recently learned of a scam involving individuals representing themselves as employees of the Cannabis Control Division (CCD).
Please educate yourself to ensure you are working with a legitimate department representative and to be aware of what you can expect to take place during an official interaction with one of our CCD inspectors.
If you are ever unsure about an individual who is presenting themselves as a department’s Inspector, please feel free to contact us (406) 444-0596 or by email at MTMPProviders@mt.gov and we will assist you in verifying the individual’s identity.
Important Reminders
- If your license expires in January or February, we highly encourage you to submit your renewal early.
- The rule, which includes information on background checks and worker permits, is currently being updated, with a tentative publish date of December 23, 2021.
- Providers can now schedule harvests in METRC so inspectors are aware of when planned harvests are taking place.
- As long as you are compliant with medical rules and laws for packaging and labeling requirements, you will be in compliance until formal guidance is published.
- As of January 1, 2022, the department will not be inspecting until applications are received.
- Adult-use cannabis information will be live on January 1, 2022. Please check back regularly as we are continually updating information.