GOP Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Legalize Medical Cannabis In Idaho, But There's A Catch

House Health and Welfare Committee Chairman John Vander Woude (R) filed a bill Friday in the Idaho House of Representatives that aims to authorize the use of medical marijuana for people diagnosed with various health conditions.

The Idaho Medical Cannabis Act, or House Bill 370 was introduced as a personal bill, which means that it wasn’t introduced in a draft version to a legislative committee for an introductory hearing, writes Idaho Capital Sun.

Oftentimes, personal bills do not progress because they bypass the standard procedure, and lawmakers tend to introduce them just to set the scene for future work on it.

The medical marijuana bill came as a surprise, as it wasn’t on any legislative agendas and it passed the state House’s deadline for the introduction of personal bills, reports the outlet.

Idaho Medical Cannabis Act Highlights 

Under the new piece of legislation, among qualifying medical conditions for cannabis treatment are: Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); autism; cachexia; cancer; severe chronic pain; Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis; epilepsy or debilitating seizures; Multiple sclerosis, or any terminal illness. 

The measure would allow ingestible marijuana products, like pills, tablets, or chewable with up to 10 mg of THC, which must be obtained from a licensed Idaho pharmacist. It would not allow marijuana in its raw form, or consuming it via smoking or vaping. 

Medical marijuana producers would be required to obtain a production license in the Gem State to cultivate and handle medical cannabis. Further must regulation count the submission of an operating plan, inspections, product testing, and criminal background checks. 

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