Idaho Lawmakers Approve Measure To Block Voters From Being Able To Legalize Marijuana

“It’s time for Idahoans to proactively decide the state’s fate relative to marijuana, psychoactive substances and narcotics.”

By Mia Maldonado, Idaho Capital Sun

The Idaho House passed a resolution on Wednesday seeking voter approval to amend the state constitution and give the Legislature exclusive authority to regulate marijuana.

House Joint Resolution 4 aims to eliminate voters’ ability to legalize marijuana through a ballot initiative. As a resolution, the legislation does not hold the force of law. Instead, it would place a question on Idahoans’ ballot about whether to amend Idaho’s Constitution to allow only the Legislature to have a say in legalizing “psychoactive substances.” A majority of voters would need to vote yes in order for the constitution to be amended.

Currently, a “Decriminalize Cannabis Now” ballot initiative is in the signature gathering process, according to VoteIdaho.gov. If it qualifies, and if the Senate approves House Joint Resolution 4, then both questions would appear on the 2026 ballot, sponsor Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa said.

Skaug said the resolution comes from a place of concern 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,” Skaug said. “I’m asking that we let our state go on the offense.”

The House passed the resolution largely along party lines, with Democrats arguing that it is unnecessary and not the proper role of government.

The resolution is headed to the Senate side, where it must receive at least a two-thirds majority vote to be placed on the ballot.

This story was first published by Idaho Capital Sun.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.