The Idaho House of Representatives this week adopted a joint resolution to preemptively block efforts to legalize cannabis via a voter-led ballot initiative. The measure, House Joint Resolution 4 (HJR4), was approved by House lawmakers on Wednesday by a vote of 58-10. The resolution was then sent to the Idaho Senate, where it was referred to the State Affairs Committee for consideration.
The measure seeks to amend the Idaho Constitution to give the state legislature the exclusive authority to legalize marijuana and other illegal drugs. If adopted, the resolution authorizes a ballot question on the proposed amendment to be put before voters.
"Only the legislature of the state of Idaho shall have power and authority to legalize the growing, producing, manufacturing, transporting, selling, delivering, dispensing, administering, prescribing, distributing, possessing, or using of marijuana, narcotics, or other psychoactive substances," reads HJR4.
If passed by the Senate, the ballot question would be included in the 2026 election. To become law, a majority of voters would have to vote in favor of the proposal.
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