This post is presented by our media partner Cannabis News Wire
View the original article here.
Public use would remain off-limits, ensuring that cannabis consumption is kept private and not visible in open areas. The measure specifically avoids creating a commercial cannabis market, unlike the recent ballot efforts in other states that sought to legalize the production and sale of marijuana.
Joe Evans, treasurer for Kind Idaho, highlighted this distinction in a statement back in September when the group first submitted the measure. He noted that the group’s approach is based on the belief that people should be allowed to manage their health and well-being privately, without interference from the state, as long as they’re acting responsibly.
Evans also mentioned that the straightforwardness of the measure might make it more appealing to Idaho voters as it does not include provisions for a state-managed medical cannabis program, which has been part of prior legalization efforts.
Kind Idaho has revised the proposal’s language following feedback from state officials, including the Idaho secretary of state and attorney general. The measure, titled “Decriminalize Marijuana Now,” has now entered the next phase of the state approval process.
The attorney general’s office has 10 days to finalize the ballot title and draft a summary for voters. Once this step is complete, Kind Idaho plans to start gathering signatures to place the measure on the 2026 ballot.
To qualify for the ballot, Kind Idaho needs to collect around 70,000 signatures from registered Idaho voters. This includes gathering support from at least 6% of voters across at least 18 of the state’s thirty-five legislative districts. The group has until April 2026 to submit these petitions for the proposal to be officially added to the ballot.
The decision to push for a more limited legalization measure in Idaho aligns with recent trends in cannabis legislation, particularly following the failure of broader legalization efforts in other states. In the 2024 election, similar ballot measures in North Dakota and Florida were rejected by voters. South Dakota also saw a failed attempt to legalize cannabis possession without authorizing commercial sales.
As the legalization movement spreads to more states across the U.S. and reforms are enacted, numerous business opportunities are likely to be opened up, such as those that take their inspiration from the operations of entities like Innovative Industrial Properties Inc. (NYSE: IIPR).
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN
This post was originally published by our media partner here.