The Senate Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs Committee convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss a contentious bill regarding cannabis warning labels. The meeting featured strong opposition from various stakeholders in the cannabis industry, who argued that the proposed warnings were excessive and misleading.

Key speaker Kate Holeeva from the Montana Cannabis Industry Association expressed concerns about the bill's potential harm to consumers. She emphasized the need for regulatory fairness, arguing that cannabis should not be singled out for harsher warnings compared to other substances like alcohol and tobacco, which have more significant health risks. Holeeva suggested extending the implementation date of the bill to allow businesses more time to adjust to the new regulations.

Antoinette Leininger, a long-time cannabis provider, presented data highlighting the dangers of alcohol compared to cannabis. She noted that there have been zero deaths attributed to cannabis in Montana from 2016 to 2023, while alcohol-related fatalities were significantly higher. Leininger criticized the lack of consistent labeling for alcohol and other substances, calling for a more balanced approach to public education about cannabis.

Both speakers urged the committee to reconsider the bill and proposed forming an interim committee to develop a more thoughtful strategy for consumer education regarding cannabis use. The discussions underscored the ongoing debate over cannabis regulation and public health messaging in Montana.

As the committee continues to deliberate, the future of the bill remains uncertain, with advocates calling for a more equitable approach to cannabis regulation that aligns with the treatment of other substances.