A House panel on Thursday approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would prevent the legalization of marijuana and other drugs without the approval of two-thirds of the Idaho Legislature. The House State Affair Committee voted 10-4 to send the resolution to the full House. Backers said the state Constitution needs to be changed because neighboring states have approved marijuana use, and it could happen in conservative Idaho through a ballot initiative. Those opposed feared that medical marijuana would never be legalized under the plan, saying the drug is needed for residents suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses. Others said the two-thirds vote needed for the Legislature to approve drugs was too high and should be just a simple majority. The measure would have to pass the House and Senate with a two-thirds majority before going to voters in November 2022, where it would require a simple majority. Idaho is one of only three states without some sort of policy allowing residents to possess products with even low amounts of THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana.
The Washington Times Http, Washington Times – Politics, Breaking News, US and World News, 03/10/2021 19:00:00