The Idaho House of Representatives has approved House Joint Resolution 4, a measure seeking to amend the state constitution to grant the Legislature exclusive authority over the legalization of marijuana and other psychoactive substances.
Idaho State Capitol.
HJR 4, which was approved 58 to 10, proposes removing the public’s power to legalize such substances through ballot initiatives. As a resolution, it must go before voters before taking effect, asking whether the constitution should be amended to grant sole legalization authority to the Legislature. To pass, the amendment requires approval from a majority of voters. Before that, it must first be approved by the state’s Senate.
If the measure is approved by the legislature and isn’t vetoed by Governor Brad Little, the proposal would be placed on the November 2026 general election ballot.
Kind Idaho, a nonprofit political committee, is seeking 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 Little signed into law legislation that establishes a mandatory minimum fine for simple marijuana possession.
