A bill to legalize medical marijuana in Idaho was introduced today in the state legislature.
House Bill 401 would create a regulated program allowing qualified patients to access medical marijuana for various health conditions. Sponsored by State Representatives Jordan Redman (R) and Ilana Rubel (D), the measure would allow the use, possession, and transportation of medical marijuana for those with a valid medical cannabis card issued by the state.
The bill outlines a list of qualifying conditions, including cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and other serious ailments. Patients would be allowed up to 4,000 milligrams of THC in processed forms or 60 grams of unprocessed flower, with higher limits for those in hospice care or suffering from terminal illnesses.
Under the proposal, physicians and other licensed practitioners would need to register and complete training before recommending medical marijuana. The measure would also establish an electronic verification system to oversee patient registrations and enforce compliance.
Additionally, the bill would remove marijuana from Idaho’s Schedule I controlled substances list, ensuring that medical cannabis patients and caregivers are protected from criminal prosecution when acting within the law. However, the measure maintains prohibitions on public consumption, driving under the influence, and unauthorized distribution.
Idaho remains one of the last states without any form of medical marijuana legalization. If enacted, Idaho would become the 40th medical cannabis state.
