Why it matters: The advocacy group Kind Idaho is working to bring medical cannabis to Idaho, one of the few remaining states where weed is illegal. They are gathering signatures to put the proposal on next year’s ballot.
What they are saying: Kind Idaho aims to legalize medical cannabis for cardholders in Idaho. The initiative would allow individuals to consult with a doctor to determine if they need medical cannabis for recovery and healing. It would not legalize recreational marijuana or full decriminalization. A poll shows that 68% of Idaho adults support legalizing medical cannabis.
The big picture: Idaho is surrounded by states that have legalized recreational marijuana, leading many Idaho residents to cross the border to obtain legal weed. Cannabis businesses in Ontario, Oregon have seen an economic boom due to Idaho customers. This has become a flashpoint in a larger political and cultural battle between Oregonians and conservative Idaho residents.
What to watch: Kind Idaho has until April 2024 to gather about 63,000 signatures to make the ballot. It will be interesting to see if they can achieve this goal and if the public support for medical cannabis in Idaho will translate into a successful legalization effort.
My take: The fact that Idaho is one of the few remaining states without any form of legal cannabis is significant. The overwhelming support for medical cannabis legalization among Idaho adults suggests that there is a real demand for it. The economic impact of Idaho residents crossing the border to obtain legal weed highlights the potential benefits of legalizing cannabis within the state.
