— Reported by John Riley – MTN News

A new group is seeking to let voters decide for themselves if the recreational use of marijuana should be legalized in the Treasure State.

Coalition406 announced their intentions to create a 2020 state ballot initiative that would legalize marijuana for adults in Montana and establish a system to tax and regulate it similarly to alcohol.

Legalization efforts across the country have seen growing support in recent years with recreational use currently legalized in 10 states.

A February 2019 poll by University of Montana researchers found a majority, 51 percent, of registered Montana voters support legalizing marijuana.

Coalition406 believes the legalization and taxation of marijuana would generate millions of dollars in revenue that could be used to fund healthcare, education and infrastructure.

“Coalition406 will sponsor a statewide listening tour over the coming weeks to discuss preliminary thoughts for a November 2020 initiative to hear from real Montanans on this issue,” said Coalition406 campaign manager Ted Dick.

Dick is no stranger to the Montana political landscape having previously served as Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party.

25,468 signatures will be needed to get an initiative on the 2020 ballot.

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