Montana Lawmakers Reject Recreational Marijuana

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A state House committee has rejected a bill that would have legalized recreational marijuana use in Montana.

The Independent Record reported that the House Taxation Committee voted 12-6 last week to table House Bill 770, effectively killing the measure.

Supporters of the proposed bill say legalizing recreational marijuana for adults would bring Montana $35 million to $55 million in annual revenue with a 32 percent tax on retail marijuana sales.

Opponents noted recent reports that found increased traffic deaths and hospitalizations in Colorado related to marijuana after it was legalized for recreational use in that state.

The House panel also tabled five other bills, including one proposal to revive the local option sales tax.