Backers of a proposed medical marijuana measure in Idaho say they have surpassed 100,000 collected signatures and are now racing to meet an April 30 deadline that would place the issue before voters in November.
The campaign, led by the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho, aims to allow patients with serious illnesses to access cannabis for therapeutic use. Conditions listed by organizers include PTSD, cancer, epilepsy, AIDS, and Crohn’s disease.
At present, Idaho prohibits all forms of cannabis. This stands in contrast to neighboring states, where some form of legalization exists. States such as Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Nevada allow recreational use, while Utah permits medical access. Wyoming remains the only bordering state without either option.
Supporters argue that this gap forces residents to cross state lines to obtain products, often illegally. They also argue that it would offer an alternative to opioid-based pain treatment.
Idaho’s GOP-led Legislature has opposed the proposal, warning that it could potentially pave the way for wider marijuana use. Lawmakers have also advanced a competing measure for the November ballot and are urging voters to reject the initiative. A proposed constitutional amendment would give only the legislature the authority to legalize cannabis or similar substances.
To qualify for the ballot, organizers must gather at least 70,725 signatures, representing 6 percent of registered voters statewide, and meet the same threshold in at least 18 of the state’s 35 legislative districts. Campaign organizers say they are collecting thousands of signatures daily, including in rural regions where meeting district requirements can be more difficult.
The group has employed paid canvassers, offering hourly wages along with performance incentives to boost turnout.
If the proposal reaches the ballot, it would require a simple majority vote to pass.
If approved, the measure would establish a regulated system for production and sales, including licensed facilities and retail outlets. Patients with qualifying conditions could obtain a medical card and access cannabis through approved channels, including delivery and pickup services.
The system would begin with a limited number of licensed producers, each permitted to grow, process, and sell cannabis products. Additional licenses could be issued as the state population grows.
Public consumption would remain prohibited, as would operating vehicles or heavy equipment while under the influence. Distribution would include regulated retail outlets, as well as options for delivery and pickup for registered patients.
Advocates for marijuana policy reform, as well as industry actors like TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF), hope that efforts to ease cannabis restrictions in Idaho succeed and patients who need these products get to access them legally within their communities.
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