Idaho Medical Cannabis Initiative Gains Momentum Amid New Signature Drive

LOS ANGELES- In Idaho, one of the few states without any legal cannabis framework, the advocacy group Kind Idaho is making strides to place a medical cannabis initiative on the 2024 ballot. The organization faces the daunting task of collecting approximately 63,000 signatures from registered voters by April 14 of the next year to qualify.

Joe Evans, treasurer of Kind Idaho, explained the proposal’s objective: to legalize cannabis for medical use among cardholders in the state. He detailed the process, saying it “gives [patients] the opportunity to consult with a doctor to determine if their diagnosis warrants medical cannabis for recovery and healing.” Approved patients would then be issued a card, enabling them to acquire cannabis from dispensaries.

This effort marks the latest attempt in a series of initiatives spanning a decade, aiming to legalize medical cannabis in Idaho. Previous campaigns in 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2016 either failed to gather sufficient signatures or stumbled over ballot technicalities. However, a recent poll suggests growing public support, with 68% of Idaho adults favoring the legalization of medical cannabis.

Evans clarified that this initiative strictly targets medical use and does not advocate for the legalization of recreational cannabis or broader decriminalization.

The push for medical cannabis in Idaho occurs amidst a backdrop of neighboring states like Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Montana, which have legalized cannabis for recreational use. This disparity has led many Idaho residents to travel across state borders to access cannabis, particularly in Ontario, Oregon, which has become a hotspot for cannabis sales, significantly impacting its local economy.

As this initiative progresses, Kind Idaho and its supporters remain hopeful that this time, the outcome will align with the shifting attitudes towards medical cannabis use, potentially altering Idaho’s longstanding stance against cannabis legalization.