Idaho lawmakers adjourn; tone deaf to their constituents
The Idaho Legislature has adjourned for 2013 and – unfortunately – failed to even discuss making sensible marijuana policy reform in the Gem State. In 2011 and 2012, Idaho lawmakers debated the merits of implementing a medical marijuana program thanks to the introduction of legislation by former Representative Tom Trail. Unfortunately, Rep. Trail retired, and no lawmaker was brave enough to champion patient protections. Instead, Idaho lawmakers spent precious legislative time on resolutions that will accomplish nothing, while opposing sensible reforms.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 112 (PDF) passed both chambers of the Idaho Legislature. The resolution officially proclaims that the current Idaho Legislature opposes marijuana legalization “for any purpose.” What a curious way to spend their time and your tax dollars considering a February 2011 poll found that nearly three quarters of Idahoans favor allowing “terminally and seriously ill patients to use and purchase marijuana for medical purposes.”
The good news is this resolution can’t stop the will of the people from prevailing. In fact, the group Compassionate Idaho is working on a petition to place a medical marijuana initiative on the November 2014 ballot! If they gather enough signatures by April of next year, the voters will be able to teach their lawmakers a thing or two about compassion. Visit Compassionate Idaho to find out how you can help get a medical marijuana question on the 2014 ballot.
If you are a medical professional or a patient who might benefit from medical marijuana, we would like to hear from you. Additionally, if you are a law enforcement official, member of the bar, clergy member, or local official who supports this issue, please email state@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help.
Learn more about Idaho's marijuana laws
Under current Idaho law, an individual charged with possession of up to an ounce of marijuana faces a year in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine. Unfortunately, this draconian law hits minority communities the hardest. According to the ACLU, black Idahoans are over two and half times more likely to be arrested for possession than their white neighbors. Ask your lawmakers to end marijuana prohibition today. To learn more about Idaho’s marijuana laws, arrests, and use, please see Dr. Jon Gettman, Ph.D.’s comprehensive report.
Stay connected
Thank you for supporting MPP. To stay updated on the status of marijuana policy reform in Idaho, be sure to subscribe to MPP's free legislative alert service, if you haven't done so already.
