Idaho Senate Committee Approves Constitutional Amendment to Limit Marijuana Legalization
A proposed constitutional amendment that would give state lawmakers sole authority over legalizing marijuana has cleared the Idaho Senate committee. The amendment, sponsored by Senator Scott Grow (R-Eagle), would effectively prevent Idahoans from legalizing marijuana or any other drug through a ballot initiative.
Grow argued that the amendment is necessary to protect families from the dangers of marijuana, citing the high potency of drugs available today. He has previously sponsored similar failed constitutional amendments.
On the other hand, Alex Joye Grenier from Star, who supported the measure, pointed to the example of Ontario, Oregon, where crime rates have increased significantly since retail marijuana sales were allowed in 2018. Grenier claimed that this is a warning sign for Idaho, which is only a few miles away.
However, Joseph Evans, a former Libertarian congressional candidate and supporter of medical marijuana, opposed the amendment. Evans argued that medical marijuana has significant benefits for patients, such as veterans with PTSD, and that it should be legalized. He also suggested that other illegal substances, like psilocybin, MDMA, and ayahuasca, could have therapeutic benefits if legalized.
The amendment has easily cleared the committee and will now require support from two-thirds of state senators before it can appear on the 2026 ballot.
