Idaho Medical Cannabis Legalization Initiative Clears Hurdle, Campaign Launches Signature Drive

The Idaho Medical Cannabis Act, backed by the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho, would create a tightly regulated program allowing patients with serious medical conditions to access marijuana under state oversight. Qualifying conditions include cancer, ALS, epilepsy, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, severe anxiety, and more. Patients would need to obtain a Medical Cannabis Card to participate. The proposal also establishes a vertically integrated licensing system for production and distribution. Initially, just three licenses would be issued statewide, with the possibility of expanding to six as Idaho’s population grows. Each license holder would be allowed to operate up to two facilities and six retail outlets, with the option of online ordering and delivery. Licensed operators would be required to engage a pharmacist to oversee storage, dispensing, and sales, and would be subject to strict inspection, labeling, and inventory control requirements.

Public consumption would be banned, and cardholders would be prohibited from sharing their medicine or operating vehicles and heavy equipment while under the influence. Physicians recommending marijuana would be shielded from liability, while patients would be protected against discrimination in employment, housing, and child custody proceedings. The Act would also reclassify marijuana under Idaho law from a Schedule I to a Schedule II substance, placing it alongside prescription opiates.

In order to appear on the November 2026 ballot, supporters will need to gather signatures from at least 6% of registered voters in 18 of the 35 legislative districts.