By Lawmaker Seeks Constitutional Change
Idaho Sen. C. Scott Grow (R) sponsored a proposed constitutional amendment to restrict voter power. The measure would give the Legislature exclusive authority to legalize marijuana or other psychoactive substances.
Grow told Local News 8 that the step is a way to push back against the marijuana industry. He claimed the industry is trying to make money off of addiction. “The reason that people push this the marijuana lobby, whomever is because there’s money to be made, particularly when people become addicted,” he told Local News 8.
The state’s Legislative Council recently approved ballot language for the cannabis restriction measure. The text explains that the second method of passing laws allows people to pass a law through ballot initiative. The amendment would remove this specific power regarding controlled substances.
Grow said the measure aligns with principles in the state’s Constitution. He cited Article III, Section 24, which declares that the first concern of good government is the virtue and sobriety of the people.
Context of Failed Initiative
Activists in Idaho tried to place a separate initiative on the ballot this year. They sought to legalize medical cannabis through the Natural Medical Alliance of Idaho. The campaign failed to submit enough valid signatures to qualify the measure.
The group has pushed back against the secretary of state’s determination about its signature submissions. This includes his decision to refer allegations of possible illegal petitioning conduct to law enforcement.
The Idaho Medical Cannabis Act would have provided patients with qualifying conditions access to marijuana. It would have established a regulatory framework for the market. NMAI recently released an analysis showing Idaho could see more than $100 million worth of medical marijuana sold annually.
The group estimated up to $28 million in new yearly revenue for state coffers. A statewide poll showed that 83 percent of likely voters back medical cannabis legalization.
Legislative Opposition Efforts
Idaho lawmakers have pushed back against reform in other ways during this session. Both the Senate and House of Representatives passed a resolution urging voters to reject the medical marijuana petition. The measure was sponsored by the Senate State Affairs Committee.
It claims that cannabis legalization in other states has led to increased cartel activity and human trafficking. The resolution argues that the initiative would effectively legalize widespread recreational use of marijuana.
The resolution states that the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act lacks safeguards. It claims the list of approved medical conditions is so broad that almost anyone could qualify. Advocates point to data showing that legalizing cannabis diminishes the size of the illegal market.
They note that legalization has not led to increases in youth use. The proposed constitutional amendment remains the primary vehicle for restricting future ballot initiatives on drugs.
