Idaho Activists File Cannabis Decriminalization Measure for 2026 Ballot

LOS ANGELES- In a strategic move following the rejection of cannabis legalization measures in three states during the 2024 general election, Idaho advocacy group Kind Idaho has submitted a ballot initiative aimed at decriminalizing personal cannabis use for the 2026 election. The proposal, filed with the Idaho Secretary of State’s office, seeks to exempt adults aged 21 and over from state prohibitions on the possession and cultivation of cannabis for personal use, explicitly excluding any provisions for commercial production or sales.

Joe Evans, treasurer of Kind Idaho, emphasized the initiative’s focus on personal autonomy, stating, “We are not creating a resale market. We’re not making sale of any of this legal in the state.” He added that the measure aims to allow individuals to obtain cannabis legally from neighboring states and use it privately without fear of legal repercussions.

The proposed measure prohibits public consumption and maintains current restrictions on commercial cannabis activities. This approach contrasts with broader legalization efforts in other states, reflecting a tailored strategy to address Idaho’s specific legal and cultural landscape.

Following the submission, the Idaho Attorney General has a 10-day period to review the proposal and provide a ballot title and summary. Kind Idaho plans to commence signature collection by the end of November, requiring approximately 70,000 valid signatures, including at least 6% of voters from 18 of the state’s 35 legislative districts, to qualify the measure for the 2026 ballot.

This initiative emerges in the context of recent electoral outcomes where cannabis legalization measures were defeated in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota during the 2024 general election. These results underscore the ongoing complexities and regional variations in public opinion regarding cannabis policy across the United States.

Idaho remains one of the few states without any form of legalized cannabis use. The outcome of this initiative could have significant implications for the state’s legal framework and its alignment with evolving national trends in cannabis legislation.