Idaho Legislature Approves Resolution to Strip Voters of Power to Legalize Marijuana, Placing it on 2026 Ballot

HJR 4, which previously passed the House 58 to 10, was given approval by the Senate along party lines, with all 29 Republicans supporting the proposal and the six Demcorats opposed.

If approved by voters next year, the resolution would amend the state constitution to give the Legislature exclusive authority over the legalization of marijuana and other psychoactive substances. This would eliminate the public’s ability to legalize such substances through ballot initiatives. Kind Idaho, a nonprofit political committee, is working to place an initiative to decriminalize cannabis on the same ballot. The group’s proposal received title and summary approval from the Secretary of State in November.

Last month, Governor Brad Little signed legislation establishing a mandatory minimum fine for simple marijuana possession.