Idaho braces for battle over legalizing medical marijuana

Idaho, a state known more for growing potatoes than marijuana, is bracing for a battle to legalize medical marijuana, as a growing number of U.S. states permit pot for both health and recreational use.

The Idaho Senate on Monday made its position clear with a 29-5 vote against allowing marijuana for even medical uses in the conservative state. The resolution, which will now go to the state House of Representatives, is only a political gesture. Marijuana is already illegal under both state and federal law.

Proponents of liberalized pot laws - spearheaded by a group called Compassionate Idaho - told senators last week they were working on a medical marijuana initiative they hope to place on the state ballot next year.

Eighteen states, plus the District of Columbia, have legalized marijuana for medical use, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In November, Washington state and Colorado went a step further and voters approved legalizing pot for recreational use.

Chuck Winder, assistant majority leader of the Republican-led Senate, told lawmakers on Monday that the anti-marijuana measure he crafted was vital to ensuring the safety of Idaho residents, especially children.

Republicans also hold a majority in the state House.

About the Marihuana Medical Access Program: Canada Health Canada grants access to marihuana for medical use to those Canadians who are suffering from grave and debilitating illnesses. It is important to note that the Next link will take you to another Web site Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR), deal exclusively with the medical use of marihuana and do not address the issue of legalizing marihuana for general consumption.

It is not legal to grow or possess marihuana except with legal permission by Health Canada under the purview of MMAR. Health Canada does not licence organizations such as compassion clubs or dispensaries to possess, produce or distribute marihuana for medical purposes. Health Canada is the only organization that can legally supply marihuana seeds and dried marihuana to persons authorized to possess and/or licenced to produce marihuana for medical purposes.

Marihuana (cannabis) is categorized as a controlled substance, regulated in Canada under the Next link will take you to another Web site Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

Health Canada regulations deal exclusively with the medical use of marihuana, which should not be confused with the movement to legalize marihuana for general consumption. Marihuana remains a controlled substance. Activities such as the possession of marihuana and production of marihuana are illegal except as authorized by regulation.

While the majority of Idaho senators on Monday expressed staunch opposition to legalization of marijuana in the state, some local officials and political leaders in the more liberal-leaning Sun Valley area have pushed to relax marijuana laws.