The Kind Idaho campaign has halted its attempt to legalize medical cannabis for this year’s ballot, citing an insufficient number of signatures. The campaign has announced plans to push for a new initiative in 2026, focusing on noncommercial cannabis use and prioritizing personal freedom over a regulated marketplace.
Joe Evans, campaign treasurer, indicated that the decision to pause the current effort stems from challenges encountered in rallying support. Concerns about an overly regulated industry and patient registries being perceived as government surveillance led to difficulties in generating traction. The detailed nature of this year’s petition, which outlined the entire program, was described by Evans as a “wall of text,” making it harder for volunteers and voters to engage with the issue effectively.
The forthcoming 2026 initiative aims to simplify the proposal and focus on personal cannabis use without introducing commercial or recreational marijuana sales. Evans emphasized that the new plan will avoid burdening the medical field with oversight responsibilities and will not legalize resale. Instead, it will allow individuals to grow and possess cannabis for personal use.
Despite the current petition’s shortcomings, a 2022 poll revealed that two-thirds of Idaho voters support medical cannabis reforms, suggesting significant public backing for the issue. The Kind Idaho campaign hopes that by emphasizing personal freedoms and reducing regulatory complexity, their 2026 initiative will resonate more effectively with voters.
For updates on cannabis business news, subscribe to our newsletter.
