Poll: Over 80% of Idaho Voters Support Legalizing Medical Marijuana

A new poll of likely Idaho voters shows overwhelming support for legalizing medical marijuana, with a strong majority saying they would back a ballot measure if the election were held today. The survey, conducted in late October among 400 likely voters statewide, found that 83% support allowing marijuana for medical use, either exclusively for patients or alongside adult-use legalization. Only a small minority said marijuana should remain illegal under all circumstances. When asked directly about a potential ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana, half of respondents said they would definitely vote yes, placing the proposal in a strong position even before undecided voters are accounted for.

The poll also highlights concerns about pain management options in Idaho. Just 13% of respondents said people suffering from serious conditions like cancer or PTSD have all the pain treatment options they need, while most said patients only have some or very limited options. Support for medical marijuana appears closely tied to these concerns, particularly for cancer patients and those experiencing chronic pain, where respondents overwhelmingly said legalization would have a positive impact on quality of life.

Messaging around patient autonomy and public safety also tested strongly. Large majorities agreed that patients, in consultation with their doctors, should be able to make their own healthcare decisions, and that access to natural alternatives like medical marijuana should be available instead of relying solely on pharmaceuticals. Voters also responded favorably to arguments that a regulated medical marijuana program could allow law enforcement to focus more on serious drug crimes involving fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.

Support was especially strong when respondents were presented with messages focused on cancer care, veterans suffering from PTSD, and Idaho’s high opioid prescription rates. In each case, a majority said those arguments made them more likely to support medical marijuana.

Taken together, the results suggest that medical marijuana legalization now commands broad, durable support across Idaho, driven largely by healthcare access, patient choice, and concerns about opioid use.

The poll was commissioned by Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho, which is working to put on medical cannabis legalization initiative on the 2026 ballot.