In a pivotal meeting of the Montana Senate Finance and Claims Committee on March 31, 2025, discussions centered around the urgent need for enhanced funding and support for substance use prevention programs across the state. The atmosphere was charged with concern as experts and advocates voiced their frustrations over the current state of prevention efforts, particularly in light of the challenges posed by marijuana legalization and its associated social costs.

A certified prevention specialist and executive director highlighted the significant strides made in substance use prevention since 2019, noting a remarkable 18% decrease in underage alcohol use and a staggering 391% increase in the implementation of evidence-based programs. However, this progress is now at risk, as proposed budget cuts threaten to halve the number of prevention specialists in Montana, reducing their presence from over 60 to potentially just 20 statewide. This alarming trend could leave vast areas of the state without adequate support, forcing one specialist to cover multiple counties.

The conversation took a sobering turn as advocates pointed out that primary prevention has not received state funding for over two decades. The expectation that marijuana revenue would fill this gap has not materialized, leaving a void in resources for programs aimed at preventing substance abuse among youth. The meeting underscored the critical need for a shift in funding priorities, with calls for marijuana tax revenue to be redirected towards prevention initiatives rather than non-essential projects like wildlife habitat funding.

Colleen Rahn, representing NAMI Montana, emphasized the importance of allocating new funds for behavioral health treatment, while Steve Zabawa of Safe Montana urged for a dedicated division to combat the black market for THC products. He argued that without proper funding for prevention and law enforcement, the state risks exacerbating its drug-related issues, particularly among adolescents.

The testimonies revealed a consensus among advocates: the health and safety of Montana's youth must take precedence. As the meeting concluded, the urgency for action was palpable, with many participants leaving with a renewed commitment to push for legislative changes that prioritize prevention funding and address the growing concerns surrounding substance use in the state. The future of Montana's youth hangs in the balance, and the call for immediate action has never been more critical.