Billings is the state's largest city by population, at roughly 120,000 residents, and the commercial anchor of south-central Montana. The downtown commercial spine runs along Montana Avenue and the adjacent blocks; the rimrocks frame the northern edge of the city; the Yellowstone River runs through the southern side. A cannabis-aware Billings weekend threads these anchors at a moderate pace.

Montana Avenue and the Downtown

Montana Avenue holds most of Billings' good restaurants and the historic Northern Hotel. The downtown is walkable end-to-end in about 20 minutes. Billings voters prohibited adult-use dispensaries inside city limits in November 2021, and the city licenses only medical dispensaries, up to eight of them, for registered cardholders. Yellowstone County voters kept adult-use sales in June 2022, 58% to 42%, so the recreational shops serving Billings sit just past the city line, in Lockwood and other unincorporated county areas, with more in Laurel and Shepherd. A Billings mailing address is not the same as Billings city limits. Verify current licensed status via the Montana Department of Revenue at revenue.mt.gov/card/cannabis/.

The Rimrocks

The sandstone rims that frame Billings' north side offer short walking trails and overlooks of the city and the Yellowstone River valley. The rims are state and county public land; Montana state law prohibits cannabis consumption in public spaces, so the walks are sober.

MetraPark and the Yellowstone River

The MetraPark events complex east of downtown runs a year-round calendar of concerts, rodeo, and ranch events. Attendance at any MetraPark event means no cannabis consumption on the grounds, per venue and Montana state law. The Yellowstone River runs through Billings' southern side with a walking path that threads Coulson Park and Norm Schoenthal Island; both are public and no-consumption zones.

Compliance, Quickly

• 21+ only at every dispensary and for every purchase
• Verify licensed status via the Montana Department of Revenue at revenue.mt.gov/card/cannabis/
• Montana state law prohibits cannabis consumption in public spaces, including the rimrocks, the Yellowstone River walks, and MetraPark
• The Crow Nation land south of Billings follows tribal rules, not Montana's adult-use law
• Never drive after consuming; Billings' highway network is unforgiving

Where to Go Next

• Montana Ranch Country Cannabis Guide flagship
• Miles City Bucking Horse Sale Cannabis
• Great Falls Russell Country Cannabis Guide

*This is editorial, not legal advice. Verify current Montana cannabis laws at revenue.mt.gov/card/cannabis/.*