The Senate committee also defeated legislation that would have required businesses to add a warning label to cannabis packaging directed specifically at pregnant women.
By Max Savage Levenson, Montana Free Press
On Tuesday, one day after a hearing that drew pointed opposition from representatives of the cannabis and media industries, the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee voted down—and then tabled—a bill to ban most marijuana advertising in Montana.
In its current form, House Bill 351, sponsored by Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe (R) prohibits the “publication, dissemination, solicitation, or circulation of visual, oral, or written communication” that could “directly induce” someone to buy or consume marijuana. It would allow businesses to maintain websites and to employ outdoor signage. It had already been approved by the House.
Before the vote, the committee approved an amendment that would permit cannabis businesses to donate to charitable causes and have their name listed as a donor. The amendment also allows businesses to sell merchandise that bears their name or logo.
The bill failed on a vote of 4-6. The committee voted unanimously to table it.
The committee also on Tuesday voted down and subsequently tabled House Bill 611, sponsored by Rep. Jane Gillette (R). That bill, which had also passed the House, would require businesses to add a warning label to marijuana packaging directed specifically at pregnant women.
During Monday’s hearing…
