Idaho activists file plan to «legalize» cannabis by 2026

Cannabis advocates in Idaho introduced a bill this week to legalize cannabis for adult use in time for the 2026 election. The group Kind Idaho submitted the final version of the legalization proposal to the Idaho Secretary of State’s office on Monday, and the organizers hope to begin collecting signatures soon.

If approved by voters, the proposed measure would exempt adults aged 21 and older from state laws prohibiting the «possession, production, or cultivation of cannabis» under certain specific conditions. Cannabis could only be grown or possessed «for personal use and not for sale or resale,» and consumption would be prohibited in a «public or open setting.».

«Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing the private or commercial sale or resale of any controlled substance,» the measure explicitly states.

Specifically, adults would be allowed to possess up to one ounce (28 grams) of cannabis flower or 1,000 milligrams of THC in various product forms, such as oils, tinctures, and edibles.

The culture at home would be permitted, but limited to 12 plants per household, and individuals would be allowed to keep up to 8 ounces (224 grams) of cannabis harvested from these plants, provided it is stored safely at home.

A narrow approach

Attempts to legalize cannabis in Idaho have faced significant obstacles over the years; previous attempts to establish a medical cannabis program regulated but unsuccessful

Joe Evans, treasurer and lead organizer of Kind Idaho, views this new, more limited approach as a «gentle stepping stone that provides access for our patients and caregivers without infringing on their privacy.».

Previous opinion polls suggest that Idaho residents are more supportive of the decriminalization of personal use than the legalization of the’commercial use. According to Mr. Evans, approximately 65 % of Idaho residents support medical cannabis, while support for broader legalization initiatives hovers around 40%. Hence the decision to Kind Idaho to focus on a limited, non-commercial use.

Conversely, some state lawmakers have proposed stricter measures to strengthen the’cannabis ban in Idaho. For example, State Representative Bruce Skaug recently introduced a bill that would impose a mandatory minimum fine of $420 for cannabis possession, with the aim of deterring cannabis use through financial penalties. Although this proposal has been stalled in committee, it highlights the persistent opposition to cannabis reform within the Idaho legislature.

Not the first attempt at «legalization»

L’2026 Initiative draws lessons from previous reform efforts in Idaho. In 2021, another group of activists sought to place a similar measure on the ballot, allowing residents to legally possess cannabis purchased in neighboring states. However, This measure was not successful. At the time, the organizer Russ Belville had argued that Idaho was «forgoing» potential tax revenue by failing to recognize what many residents were already doing: legally purchasing cannabis outside the state’s borders—in the’Washington State or in Oregon – and take it home for their personal use.

Reflecting on these past failures, Kind Idaho has developed its initiative in greater detail, striking a balance between the demand for a decriminalization of personal use given the local opposition to full commercial legalization.

«Our biggest challenge,» notes Mr. Evans, “has been to draft a policy that allows those who grow and produce their own cannabis to effectively manage their personal care while still leaving room for law enforcement and the judicial system.”.

The campaign now needs to raise approximately 70,000 valid voter signatures, with signatures from at least 18 of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts, in order for the measure to qualify for the ballot. The deadline for submitting signatures is April 2026, which leaves Kind Idaho enough time to build momentum and inform Idaho residents about the benefits of the proposal.