Montana updated its exit-packaging requirements in 2026. The changes include revised warning language and a required QR code that directs customers to substance-use resources.

For retailers using a Montana dispensary POS platform, these changes should be reflected in checkout procedures, staff training, and store compliance checks.

The statutory changes took effect July 1, 2026, while the related final administrative rule became effective August 22, 2026.

Exit packaging must be:

• child-resistant;
• opaque;
• marked with required warnings;
• marked with the Department-provided QR code.

The QR code is a compliance requirement, not optional marketing content.

Cannabis products may already have QR codes connected to Certificates of Analysis or other product information. Those codes do not replace the required exit-package QR.

A sale may involve:

• a product or COA QR code;
• a Retail ID or serialized product code;
• the Montana exit-package QR code.

Each serves a different purpose.

Do not assume that one QR code on the product satisfies the exit-packaging rule.

Exit packaging should be treated as the final step of the transaction.

A simple workflow can be:

1. Verify the customer and transaction type.
2. Resolve applicable purchase-limit warnings.
3. Complete the sale.
4. Place marijuana products in approved exit packaging.
5. Check required warnings.
6. Confirm the QR code is present and readable.
7. Give the completed package to the customer.

The goal is to make the check routine rather than something employees remember only occasionally.

Montana requires licensees to use the QR code supplied by the Department of Revenue.

Retailers should refer to the official Montana Department of Revenue labeling and packaging guidance when updating exit bags, labels, or store procedures.

Do not replace the official code with:

• a store website QR;
• a loyalty-program link;
• a product page;
• a custom recreation of the state QR code.

The Department's current file should remain the source of truth.

Stores may still have older approved exit packaging in inventory when rules change.

Montana DOR provides warning-label materials that may be used with remaining approved packaging while replacement bags are obtained.

Managers should confirm:

• the underlying bag is compliant;
• current warnings are attached correctly;
• the required QR code is present;
• outdated packaging is removed from registers.

Adding a sticker does not turn an ordinary retail bag into approved cannabis exit packaging.

Montana also requires Department-provided consumer education information to be displayed at the point of sale.

This is separate from the exit bag.

A store compliance check should therefore cover both:

• required consumer information at the register;
• compliant packaging leaving with the customer.

The poster stays in the dispensary, while the exit package leaves with the purchaser.

Budtenders do not need a long explanation of packaging law during every transaction. They need a short checklist they can use quickly.

Training should cover:

• where the required warning appears;
• which QR code belongs on the exit package;
• how to recognize outdated packaging;
• what to do if a label or QR code is damaged;
• where approved replacement materials are stored.

For multi-location businesses, every store should use the same approved packaging standard.

Periodic spot checks can review bags, QR readability, warning labels, poster placement, and backup packaging supplies.

Packaging may not be a Metrc inventory object, but changes should be managed with the same discipline used for other regulated retail workflows.

When a Montana requirement changes:

1. Confirm the effective date.
2. Download official state materials.
3. Update the store SOP.
4. Replace or relabel packaging.
5. Train employees.
6. Check every register.
7. Record that the update was completed.

This approach can also be used for purchase-limit, tax, product-mapping, and Metrc integration changes.

A correct POS transaction is only part of a compliant sale. The final product still needs to leave the dispensary in packaging that meets Montana's current requirements.