The Idaho House of Representatives passed a proposal Wednesday to send a ballot proposal to voters that would amend the state Constitution so that “only the Legislature” could reform the state’s cannabis laws, the Idaho Capital Sun reports. The proposal effectively asks voters to surrender their power to enact cannabis legalization or decriminalization laws, and any other type of drug reforms, via citizen-led ballot initiatives.
The bill’s sponsor Rep. Bruce Skaug (R) cited concerns for the “virtue and sobriety” of Idahoans.
“It’s time for Idahoans to proactively decide the state’s fate relative to marijuana, psychoactive substances and narcotics. I’m asking that we let our state go on the offense.” — Skaug, via the Idaho Capital Sun
If approved by the Senate, the constitutional amendment would appear on state ballots during the 2026 election and would require a majority of voters to vote yes to be approved.
Meanwhile, Idaho activists behind the “Decriminalize Cannabis Now” ballot initiative are gathering signatures to qualify for the 2026 ballot. If the campaign succeeds — and if the Senate approves the bill — voters would consider proposals to legalize personal cannabis possession and rescind their right to pass such cannabis reforms on the same ballot, the report said
“State lawmakers are well aware that their ‘reefer madness’ views are out of step with most Idahoans,” Paul Armentano, the deputy director of federal cannabis advocacy group NORML, said in a statement.
“That is why they are seeking to remove voters from the equation. Whether or not one personally supports or opposes cannabis legalization, these overtly undemocratic tactics ought to be a cause of deep concern.”
Idaho is one of the only U.S states without any state-level cannabis reforms. Earlier this year, the governor signed a bill to add a mandatory $300 fine to any cannabis possession charges.
