On her campaign website, Kelly Ayotte calls for not just a continuation, but an escalation of the failed war on drugs, which is really a war on people. At least she hasn’t gone as far as her dear leader, Donald Trump, who has recently called for the death penalty for drug dealers. Kelly Ayotte is firmly opposed to legalizing adult use cannabis, despite numerous studies showing that states with legal cannabis have seen decreases in opioid addiction and deaths. Research also shows that cannabis is much less addictive than opioids, tobacco or alcohol, but Kelly Ayotte doesn’t even want to see the state’s medical cannabis program grow.

As governor, Joyce Craig will implement a harm reduction approach to reduce opioid overdoses. Joyce Craig will ensure that the addiction and treatment programs implemented by the state are data-driven and focused on getting individuals connected to the services they need. Joyce Craig also believes that it is time to legalize cannabis in New Hampshire. Joyce favors a model that encourages small businesses and entrepreneurship, allows limited homegrow for medical patients, and protects the state’s medical cannabis program. Joyce Craig will work with legislators to capture revenue that we are losing to surrounding states, while stimulating our economy, boosting tourism, funding education, reducing property taxes, and giving young people a reason to stay and build businesses and lives in New Hampshire.

James Riddle

Hillsborough