Committee votes to draft statewide THC education and prevention initiative after broad public support
March 10, 2026 | 2026 Legislature MT, Montana
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Senator Yakovich moved that staff draft legislation creating a statewide THC education and prevention initiative, and the committee approved the motion by voice vote.
In presenting the concept, Senator Yakovich said the proposal would establish a coordinated, statewide education and prevention framework, ask DPHHS to run a competitive RFP for a lead contractor, and propose an initial appropriation of $1 million for year one (with possible multi‑year funding and a sunset). "When substance is legal and widely available, states should invest in education and upstream prevention," he said, and described an RFP structure with measurable deliverables and statewide reach.
Public commenters and prevention specialists gave the motion momentum. Liana Troesh urged allocating marijuana dollars toward a THC education program that would address high‑potency concentrates, target parents, schools and probation officers, and be administered via a competitive RFP with measurable outcomes. "We're asking for $1,000,000 to have this happen over the course once a year for at least a 3 year program," she testified. Several other prevention advocates and health-care leaders expressed support for coordinated prevention and data collection.
Committee discussion focused on funding sources, program accountability and whether the HEART fund or other marijuana revenue would be an appropriate source. Vice Chair Howe and others suggested preserving flexibility on funding until DPHHS clarifies available HEART fund balances and federal match implications under the HEART 11‑15 waiver. Yakovich and multiple committee members accepted a 3‑year sunset and annual reporting requirements as part of the draft direction.
The committee voted in favor of the drafting request by voice vote; Representative Diklakakos registered an aye by proxy. The motion instructs staff to prepare draft bill language ahead of the committee’s May 5 meeting for further review, stakeholder input and refinement.
In presenting the concept, Senator Yakovich said the proposal would establish a coordinated, statewide education and prevention framework, ask DPHHS to run a competitive RFP for a lead contractor, and propose an initial appropriation of $1 million for year one (with possible multi‑year funding and a sunset). "When substance is legal and widely available, states should invest in education and upstream prevention," he said, and described an RFP structure with measurable deliverables and statewide reach.
Public commenters and prevention specialists gave the motion momentum. Liana Troesh urged allocating marijuana dollars toward a THC education program that would address high‑potency concentrates, target parents, schools and probation officers, and be administered via a competitive RFP with measurable outcomes. "We're asking for $1,000,000 to have this happen over the course once a year for at least a 3 year program," she testified. Several other prevention advocates and health-care leaders expressed support for coordinated prevention and data collection.
Committee discussion focused on funding sources, program accountability and whether the HEART fund or other marijuana revenue would be an appropriate source. Vice Chair Howe and others suggested preserving flexibility on funding until DPHHS clarifies available HEART fund balances and federal match implications under the HEART 11‑15 waiver. Yakovich and multiple committee members accepted a 3‑year sunset and annual reporting requirements as part of the draft direction.
The committee voted in favor of the drafting request by voice vote; Representative Diklakakos registered an aye by proxy. The motion instructs staff to prepare draft bill language ahead of the committee’s May 5 meeting for further review, stakeholder input and refinement.
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