Drug Treatment, Conservation Vie for Montana Pot Tax Revenue

First-term Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte’s intent to spend new marijuana tax revenue on drug treatment and economic development has put him at cross purposes with supporters of the pot legalization measure approved in November.

Gianforte’s focus on treatment, which he said aims at dealing with the ravages of substance abuse in the state, is a different top priority than the one named in the measure (Initiative 190) that voters endorsed while also sending the former congressman to the governor’s office.

The governor’s proposal for the money is entirely appropriate, state officials said, and the Legislature is ...