Idaho Lawmakers Push to Restrict Citizen-Led Ballot Initiatives on Cannabis and Drug Reform

BOISE – Idaho lawmakers have taken a significant step toward restricting citizen-led ballot initiatives related to cannabis and other drug reforms. The Idaho Senate recently passed a House-approved bill that would put a constitutional amendment before voters in the 2026 election. If approved, this amendment would strip the electorate of their ability to pass laws regarding cannabis legalization and drug policy changes, leaving such decisions solely in the hands of the Legislature.

The bill, co-sponsored in the Senate by Republican Sen. Scott Grow, passed with a 29-6 vote, following its earlier approval in the House. Supporters of the measure argue that it is necessary to prevent Idaho from following in the footsteps of neighboring states that have gradually loosened cannabis restrictions. They contend that state legislatures elsewhere have been overwhelmed by voter initiatives that have forced changes in drug policies without legislative input.

Sen. Grow articulated this concern, stating, “Too many legislatures across this nation have sat back and just waited as initiative after initiative would come after them, until they finally overwhelm it and overwhelm the legislature. We are acting because that’s our responsibility.”

This move is part of a broader effort by Idaho lawmakers to maintain strict prohibitionist policies on cannabis. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed another anti-cannabis measure that mandates a $300 fine for low-level cannabis possession. Idaho remains one of the few states in the nation without any form of legal access to cannabis, whether for medical or recreational use.

While lawmakers are working to limit voter influence on drug policy, a grassroots campaign is actively seeking to move in the opposite direction. The Decriminalize Cannabis Now initiative aims to place a measure on the 2026 ballot that would legalize low-level cannabis possession in Idaho, though it stops short of establishing a regulated market. If the campaign gathers enough signatures, voters will face two competing ballot questions in 2026—one to legalize cannabis possession and another to eliminate citizen-led initiatives on such issues altogether.

The proposed constitutional amendment has sparked concerns among advocates of direct democracy, who argue that it undermines the ability of Idahoans to shape policy on critical issues. Critics see the measure as a way for lawmakers to insulate themselves from public opinion, particularly as national and regional attitudes toward cannabis continue to evolve.

Opponents also highlight the growing support for cannabis reform across the U.S., where many states have embraced medical and recreational cannabis legalization through voter-led initiatives. In contrast, Idaho’s strict stance stands as one of the most prohibitive in the country, with lawmakers actively working to prevent any potential shift in policy through direct democracy.

As the 2026 election approaches, the debate over cannabis policy and citizen-led initiatives in Idaho is likely to intensify. The outcome of this battle could have far-reaching implications, determining not only the future of cannabis in the state but also the broader question of how much power Idaho voters will retain in shaping their laws.