Governor Kelly Ayotte has made her stance clear on cannabis legalisation, discussed her criteria for choosing a new Education Commissioner, and addressed the blow of an $80 million clawback in Health and Human Services funding. This news-focused summary unpacks where the state stands on these key issues, weaving in the ongoing debate about cannabis education policy and Ayotte cannabis opposition throughout.

Ayotte Cannabis Opposition Stays Firm Despite Legislative Push

As lawmakers push through various bills around cannabis, including efforts to legalise adult use, Governor Ayotte is holding firm in her opposition. Even as fifteen bills on cannabis and therapeutic use make their way through the legislature, the governor has reiterated her concerns.

“I do not support the legalisation of cannabis,” Ayotte told reporters in her office this Wednesday. “I don’t think it is the right direction for the state for a lot of reasons. If you think about our quality of life and some of the concerns that can flow from it… we talked about safety on our roadways. There are a number of issues other states have seen that I just don’t think can be addressed at the moment with existing technology.”

She also pointed out the dangers for young people, stating, “I am mindful of the message we send to younger people when we legalise something versus it staying illegal.” Personal experiences also colour her viewpoint. “I have never heard from someone in recovery from drug addiction who thought that legalising weed was a good idea,” she said. This shows her alignment with a cautious approach on cannabis education policy, especially when it comes to youth.

Cannabis Education Policy and Legislative Movements

The House recently voted 208–125 in favour of House Bill 198 to legalise cannabis for adults, and the Senate held a voice vote on House Bill 75. Despite this, Ayotte cannabis opposition stands strong. Ayotte emphasised that her position was no secret during her campaign and voters knew her views.

“I ran on this issue,” she mentioned, showing consistency in her leadership and communications. She did, however, commit to considering each bill carefully, particularly those involving the personal cultivation of marijuana for therapeutic use.

Currently, the state has a growing list of bills addressing both legalisation and expansion of the therapeutic use programme. Some are making progress, while others are staying the same or have stopped entirely. Still, Ayotte’s viewpoint suggests she values a measured and cautious approach over rapid policy change.

New Highway Safety Task Force to Address Risks Linked to Cannabis

Road safety forms another pillar of Ayotte’s concerns. The governor announced a new Highway Safety Task Force, citing the high number of highway fatalities (135 so far in 2024, with many involving alcohol or drugs).

“It’s critical that we ensure drivers are safe on our highways and stop these accidents before they happen. Every fatal crash is more than just a statistic—it’s a life lost, a family shattered, and a community forever changed,” she explained.

The Task Force will be led by Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn and Attorney General John Formella. They’ll join forces with local officials, law enforcement, and community advocates to examine accident data, identify trends, and develop solutions. Ayotte’s cannabis education policy approach aligns with this focus on prevention and safety, specifically when it comes to substance use behind the wheel.

Members of the task force include a cross-section of government officials, safety advocates, and even a youth representative. This inclusive effort aims to address distracted driving, wrong-way driving, and other risk factors that have been leading causes of recent crashes.

Criteria for New Education Commissioner Reflect Prevention Focus

With outgoing Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut’s departure, Governor Ayotte is seeking a candidate who mirrors her values and holds clear education experience and leadership skills. Her main criteria are straightforward:

• Strong leadership and a background in education
• Commitment to every child reaching their full potential
• Focus on supporting teachers

“My hope is that I can find someone who has the leadership skills to lead the department along with experience in education and background,” Ayotte noted. She also highlighted the importance of someone who prioritises teachers and recognises their pivotal role.

Ayotte herself is a product of the state’s public education, and her husband is a teacher. This background shapes her view on developing effective cannabis education policy, indicating she wants to appoint someone who shares her preventative, supportive approach for New Hampshire’s schools.

HHS Faces $80M Funding Clawback and Uncertain Future

A new hurdle emerged as federal authorities notified the state of a sudden $80 million clawback in Health and Human Services funding. This was temporary, post-pandemic support originally expected through 2026. The loss impacts programs and positions within HHS.

Governor Ayotte underscored her concern about relying on short-term federal money for ongoing state obligations. “When you put a bunch of federal money into things for a temporary period and then you build positions and other things around it, when that money goes away… you are going to have to fill that gap,” she said.

She remains focused on ensuring vital direct services are maintained, even if other funding streams have to be found. “We are doing all we can to make sure that the people who are served directly, that we find other ways to fund it,” Ayotte stated. The situation highlights the need for sustainable policies and thoughtful planning.

Source: indepthnh.org