In Montana, both recreational and medical cannabis are legal, but the rules are different depending on which program you’re part of. Adults 21 and older can legally possess up to one ounce of cannabis for recreational use, or its equivalent in concentrates and edibles.
Recreational users may also grow up to two mature plants and two seedlings per person, with a household cap of four mature plants.
Medical marijuana patients, however, enjoy higher limits and lower taxes. With a valid medical card, patients can purchase up to five ounces per month and cultivate up to four mature plants and twelve seedlings. Medical cannabis is taxed at about 4%, compared to the 20% excise tax on recreational sales, and patients can qualify at age 18 (or younger with caregiver support), while recreational use is restricted to those 21+.
In short, recreational cannabis offers basic legal access, but medical patients benefit from higher possession and cultivation limits, lower costs, and earlier eligibility.