Kind Idaho, an advocacy group, is making another attempt to legalize medical cannabis in Idaho. This conservative state remains one of the few in the US with a complete ban on all forms of cannabis.
Medical Use in Focus:
The group emphasizes that their proposal focuses solely on legalizing medical cannabis for patients with qualifying conditions.
“Our goal is to give patients the opportunity to consult with a doctor and explore if medical cannabis can support their recovery,” explained Joe Evans, Kind Idaho’s treasurer.
If approved, patients with a doctor’s recommendation would be authorized to purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
Signature Drive Underway:
Kind Idaho is currently collecting signatures to place the initiative on the 2024 ballot. They need to gather approximately 63,000 signatures from registered voters by April 14th, 2024. This represents a significant challenge, considering Idaho’s conservative stance on cannabis.
Public Opinion Leaning Towards Support:
Despite the challenges, Kind Idaho may benefit from growing public support for medical cannabis. A 2023 poll indicated that 68% of Idaho adults favor legalizing medical cannabis.
Economic Considerations:
The surrounding states of Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Montana have all legalized recreational marijuana. This proximity has led many Idaho residents to travel out-of-state to access legal cannabis.
Cannabis businesses in border towns, such as Ontario, Oregon, have witnessed a surge in customers from Idaho. This economic reality highlights the potential benefits of a regulated cannabis market within Idaho itself.