By Idaho Lawmakers Seek Constitutional Lockout
Opponents of marijuana legalization are seeking to limit voters’ role in deciding cannabis policy. In Idaho, lawmakers have advanced HJR 4, a proposed amendment to the state constitution.
The measure would remove Idaho voters’ ability to vote on marijuana. It would instead give state lawmakers exclusive authority over cannabis policy.
NORML, a national marijuana reform organization, described the proposal in a recent alert to supporters. The group said prohibitionists are trying to overturn voters’ decisions in states where marijuana is legal and prevent voters from making those decisions where it is not.
The Idaho proposal remains pending before the legislature.
Massachusetts Seen As A Test Case
NORML told supporters last month that Massachusetts’ Question 8 was a test case and that other states could be next. The organization now says that warning was not an exaggeration and points to the Idaho measure as evidence that the effort has spread beyond Massachusetts.
NORML describes its campaign as not limited to Idaho or Massachusetts. The group says what happens in this election will determine what prohibitionists do in each state next.
NORML is framing it as a preview of broader national tactics.
Midterm Elections Could Shift Legislative Power
NORML is also pointing to legislative races in several states. The group named New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin as critical in this midterm election.
In those states, a shift in legislative power could break years of obstruction on legalization, according to the organization.
The organization is asking supporters to make donations ahead of Election Day. The money would help NORML mobilize and inform voters.
NORML says the stakes include defending the progress reformers have made and continuing to fight for marijuana freedom across the US.
The outcome of the Idaho proposal and the midterm races remains undecided.
