The Idaho Medical Cannabis Act would allow Idahoans who are diagnosed with a qualifying health condition to register with the state board of pharmacy to purchase medical cannabis from licensed businesses. The Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho is collecting signatures to place the measure on the November 2026 ballot. Forty other states already have medical cannabis programs.

Here are more details about the proposal: 

Qualifying as a Patient: Beginning on July 1, 2027, patients could apply for a medical cannabis ID card. To qualify, patients would submit documentation to the board of pharmacy showing they were diagnosed with a “substantial health condition.” “Substantial health conditions” includes cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, autism, insomnia, PTSD, acute pain that lasts longer than two weeks, chronic and persistent pain lasting longer than two weeks that is not adequately managed by conventional medications besides opioids, terminal conditions, rare conditions that are not adequately managed, or other conditions approved by the state board of pharmacy.

Medical Cannabis Access: The pharmacy board would initially license no more than three vertically integrated medical cannabis businesses. Only hemp licensees in good standing since 2022 could apply for licenses. Six retail locations will be authorized. In-person delivery is also allowed, and the bill envisions “fulfillment centers.” The initiative does not allow home cultivation. Patients may designate one or more caregivers to assist them. 

Local Role: Municipalities and counties cannot require a separate local license. However, applicants must have a letter of recommendation from a local community.

Purchase Limits and Product Types: Each month, patients could purchase up to 113 grams of smokeable cannabis (just under four ounces) or products containing a total of up to 20 grams of THC. Patients could buy smokeable cannabis, inhalable cannabis, and ingestible cannabis — chewables, pills, tablets, or droplets with 10 milligrams of THC or less each.

Health and Safety Regulations: The board would provide patients with information about the risks of cannabis. Dispensaries must be overseen by pharmacists. Cannabis and cannabis products would have to be dispensed in tamper-resistant packaging that is not appealing to children. Products must have warnings, including about intoxication, driving, addiction, and over-consumption. Prohibits smoking and vaping cannabis in public.

Miscellaneous Provisions: 

• Medical cannabis cards would be valid for a year. They are renewable annually.
• The measure creates a fund for peer-reviewed studies on medical cannabis.
• Employers and insurance providers would not be required to pay for medical cannabis.
• Provides some non-discrimination protections related to landlords, education, employment, child custody, and medical care (including organ transplants). 
• Moves marijuana, THC, and synthetic equivalents from Schedule I to Schedule II.

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