Summary - H0108, also known as the Sergeant Kitzhaber Medical Cannabis Act, amends and adds to existing law to authorize the possession, distribution, transportation, and use of cannabis for medical purposes, to impose an excise tax on medical cannabis and medical cannabis devices, and to provide that marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols or synthetic equivalents are Schedule II controlled substances.

Statement of Purpose - This legislation would provide for a regulated system of medically recommended cannabis and would move cannabis a schedule 1 to a schedule 2 controlled substance under Idaho code. Patients who are 21 or older with certain defined diagnoses, including cancer, ALS, AIDS, wasting syndrome, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, debilitating seizures, and terminal illness, would be eligible to be approved by a qualifying medical practitioner to apply for a medical cannabis card. The full statement of purpose is too long to include in the update, we recommend you read it here.

Status - H0108 was introduced on February 9 and referred to the House Health & Welfare Committee on February 10.

Summary - Amends and adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding industrial hemp.

Statement of Purpose - The purpose of this legislation is to legalize the production, processing, research, and transportation of industrial hemp in the state. Industrial hemp is now legal in 49 states, two territories, and more than 40 tribal areas. This legislation will allow Idaho farmers the opportunity to produce industrial hemp if they so choose.

Status - H0126 was introduced on February 11.

Summary - Amends existing law to raise the age of legal possession and use of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices to 21.

Statement of Purpose - The purpose of this legislation is to ensure uniform laws on the sale of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes across the state by preventing local authorities from implementing varying regulations that are more restrictive than state law.

Status - S1087 was introduced on February 10 and referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee on February 11.