Over the past decade, almost every state in the nation has moved in the same direction, either legalizing cannabis or moving closer to legalizing it. Idaho, on the other hand, has bucked that trend.
Earlier this month, the state approved a bill that would effectively ban the legalization of cannabis in Idaho by popular vote. It would put the issue of legalization in the hands of state lawmakers that have said, repeatedly, they will not do it.
The Idaho Legislature passed House Joint Resolution 4, which if approved by voters this fall, would amend the state constitution and take away voters' rights when it comes to cannabis.
"Effective immediately upon adoption by the voters of Idaho, 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," the proposed amendment to the state constitution says.
The Legislature is asking the people to give all power to the government.
Remember, the language says, "only the legislature of the state of Idaho shall have the power."
There is currently an active push to legalize medical marijuana in Idaho — not only is recreational cannabis illegal in Idaho, it is one of the few states where medical marijuana is not legal either.
With House Joint Resolution 4, the state government is doubling down on that backwards ideology.
Every state or territory that touches Idaho, even the LDS stronghold of Utah, is more progressive when it comes to cannabis. Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Montana say it is outright legal for adults — Canada, too. Wyoming and Utah allow the medical use of cannabis. Idaho, though? Nope. Neither.
And now the Legislature is asking people to agree that they can't even vote for it.
Only the Legislature shall have the power.
On the one hand, the people of Idaho vote their legislators into office. On the other, don't they deserve better? Shouldn't they get to choose?
Well, when it comes to cannabis, we may not be able to find out. They won't be able to tell us at the ballot box, where Washington and many other states have legalized cannabis, unless they vote against House Joint Resolution 4. They have one chance to do it, when this constitutional amendment goes on the general election ballot.
