BBER PUBLICATIONS SEARCH RESULTS

This report presents the findings of research intended to quantify the potential size of the recreational cannabis marketplace in Montana, and the potential tax revenue that could be collected in the event that recreational cannabis achieves legal status as envisioned in initiatives CI-118 and I-190 on the November ballot. This independent effort conducted by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana was commissioned by New Approach Montana, a political campaign aimed at passing the initiatives. The research uses publicly available data and draws on similar research conducted in other states.

This November, Montanans will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to legalize recreational marijuana. There are two items are on the ballot this election season. The first is CI-118, which amends the Montana Constitution to include language to establish the legal age for owning, consuming, and/or possessing marijuana; making it the same as for alcohol. The second ballot initiative is the Marijuana Legalization and Tax Initiative (I-190), which legalizes marijuana for consumption and possession of marijuana for adults over the age of 21. A recent study completed by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research found that legalizing recreational marijuana could contribute an additional $43 million to Montana?s general fund in 2022, increasing sin tax revenues by 50%. Given the current economic environment, with slowing household income and increases in transfer payments, a new revenue stream could help reduce red ink.

During the past few years, Montana families and children have experienced a range of positive developments, but these improvements have not changed existing disparity gaps. Montana ranks 24th out of 50 states in child well-being.

This evaluation of Montana''s SPF SIG project on alcohol abuse focuses on data driven analysis of a) outcomes and b) the process or steps in the implementation of community-based strategies and interventions. Ultimately, outcomes are based on a reduction in binge drinking behavior with an emphasis on underage binge drinking and drinking and driving.

Alcohol taxes increase beverage prices and thus influence drinking among teens and adults. Higher taxes and prices have the potential to reduce alcohol abuse and traffic fatalities and injuries. This study examines alcohol taxes and beverage prices in Montana in relation to these issues.

Five people are injured or killed each day in Montana because of alcohol-related vehicle crashes. These accidents cost Montanans $621,000 per day and more than half a billion dollars per year in medical costs, lost wages, and lost productivity.

On a per capita basis, Montana ranks in the top half of states in alcohol consumption, with the 2003 consumption of 435 beers per adult, higher than all but four other states nationwide. This article summarizes a Bureau study, which found that alcohol abuse costs the Montana economy more than a half billion dollars per year in medical costs, lost wages, and productivity.

Data show Montana youth drinking, using tobacco and illegal drugs, and drinking and driving at higher rates than the rest of the country. The two most prevalent substance abuse activities among Montana youth are binge drinking and smoking marijuana. While Montana youth aren't smoking cigarettes at a significantly higher rate than the rest of the country, smokeless tobacco use among all 8th, 10th and 12th graders is 7 percentage points higher than the national average. The authors report these and other finding from the 2007 Montana Kids Count such as family characteristics and demographics, social and economic status, health care and other factors affecting Montana children.