Idaho Lawmakers Consider Constitutional Amendment to Ban Marijuana Legalization
A proposed constitutional amendment is making its way to the Idaho House floor, aiming to prevent the legalization of marijuana and other drugs through ballot initiatives. The measure, introduced by Representative Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa), would require a two-thirds majority approval from both the House and Senate to legalize any drug.
Skaug argues that keeping drugs illegal is a more effective way to deter addiction and crime, citing Idaho’s tough penalties for drug-related offenses as a deterrent. He also expressed concerns about out-of-state groups attempting to legalize marijuana through ballot initiatives, citing neighboring Oregon as an example.
However, opponents of the amendment, including House Democratic Caucus Chair Todd Achilles (D-Boise), argue that the two-thirds majority requirement is too high a bar to clear. Achilles also expressed concerns about the potential impact on medical marijuana treatment, particularly for veterans with PTSD.
The constitutional amendment would need to clear both the House and Senate with a two-thirds majority this session before it could be put to a vote in 2026. A similar measure was introduced in 2021 but failed to advance out of a House committee.
