Governor Gianforte has expressed mixed sentiments about legalization. While in the House of Representatives, he voted "no" on the SAFE Banking Act in 2019 and abstained from voting on the MORE Act in 2020. He expressed doubts about recreational legalization and descheduling, suggesting that more research is needed before something can be done.

Despite this, he signed a recreational legalization bill into law in 2021 that was introduced via ballot initiative. Gianforte seems to support medical use and casts doubts on recreational legalization, but seems willing to follow the lead of Montana voters.

“Since January, we’ve been focused on implementing the will of Montana voters in a safe, responsible, and appropriately regulated manner. House Bill 701 accomplishes this,” Gov. Gianforte said. “From the start, I’ve been clear that we need to bring more resources to bear to combat the drug epidemic that’s devastating our communities. Funding a full continuum of substance abuse prevention and treatment programs for communities, the HEART Fund will offer new supports to Montanans who want to get clean, sober, and healthy.” (5/18/21)

“We should know how best to help people who need medical marijuana, and how greater access to recreational marijuana will impact our communities, families, and users,” Gianforte said in his speech. “However, expanding access to marijuana without the benefit and guidance of the facts and sound science is of grave concern. This is incredibly concerning because we have an addiction crisis in my home state of Montana. Methamphetamines, and now, opioids, devastate our communities and tear apart too many families.” 2/4/2020

In a constituent response letter, Greg stated: "Currently, marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug. I oppose the recreational use of Schedule I drugs. I see a difference between medical and recreational use of marijuana. After closely examining the health benefits of medical marijuana, I support continuing the legality of medical marijuana in Montana, as long as the industry remains well managed for public safety."

FEB 4, 2020: “To consider making any Schedule I drug legal and more readily available without adequate research is a misplaced priority as addiction continues to ravage our country. Instead, we should support focusing on combating addiction, building on this committee’s bipartisan work and the success of the SUPPORT Act from last Congress. We need to continue to support those who face addiction and need the help the most, rather than making marijuana easier to access when we don’t know the full effects on our communities.”

Read More: Gianforte Says Rescheduling Marijuana Is a "Misplaced Priority" | https://newstalkkgvo.com/gianforte-says-rescheduling-marijuana-is-a-misplaced-priority/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral 

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Web: https://governor.mt.gov/

Phone: 406-444-3111