Missoula's new zoning rules spark debate over marijuana dispensaries – NonStop Local Montana
Partly cloudy skies. Low 31F. Winds light and variable..
Partly cloudy skies. Low 31F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: February 3, 2026 @ 9:18 pm
NonStop Local Reporter
MISSOULA, Mont. – Recent changes to zoning requirements in Missoula have sparked a debate surrounding marijuana dispensaries. The new rules, approved by the city council, aim to bring structure, but some business owners feel they create new obstacles.
The new regulations mandate that any new dispensary be at least 1,000 feet away from another dispensary, with additional location restrictions in place. City leaders have assured that existing dispensaries are grandfathered in under the new rules.
The zoning reform was first proposed in January, with supporters arguing it would help manage the industry’s growth in Missoula. The city council voted to adopt these changes this week.
Councilmember Gwen Jones said, “Staff recommended we go from 500 to 1000 feet buffer, um, not only from other stores but from other things like schools, etc. Um, I would like to have a 250-foot buffer from the edge of the nearest residential zone parcel so that we don’t have dispensaries facing purely residential areas.”
However, some in the cannabis industry express concerns that the changes could hinder expansion and raise questions about the impact on existing businesses.
Evan Kajander, CEO of Apogee Gardens Dispensary, shares his thoughts. “We are currently looking in Missoula. In fact, we’ve got a place under LOI right now to purchase in Missoula and this is definitely going to make it harder for existing companies to open new dispensaries in the Missoula area. My bigger fear though is that existing dispensaries are grandfathered in — well what does that mean if one of those dispensaries wants to sell? All this has done for me is create new questions. I have more questions than I have answers today,” he said.
City officials emphasize that the new rules apply only to future dispensaries, while business owners believe the full impact might take time to become apparent.
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