MARIJUANA: Medical use misrepresented

Michael Ackley’s Feb. 25 letter to the editor misrepresents Idaho’s medical marijuana initiative. It requires a qualified healthcare provider to diagnose one of about 20 serious conditions (e.g., cancer, epilepsy, Crohn’s, chronic pain, PTSD, etc.). Conditions like anxiety or insomnia are on that strict list; they aren’t “everyone gets weed.” Sales would come from only six state-licensed dispensaries (not 16), each with pharmacist oversight and mandatory ID checks. Patients could legally buy up to 113 g (about 4 oz.) per month with a medical card, which is hardly an unlimited “marketplace.”

Contrary to Ackley’s claims, real data from other states show no surge in crime or teen use. In Colorado (the first legal adult-use state), teen marijuana use actually fell to decade-low levels after legalization. Colorado’s crime rate has also continued to fall; violent crime dropped about 13.3% in 2024-25. A peer-reviewed study found no long-term spike in violent or property crime in Colorado or Washington post-legalization. Likewise, broad reviews conclude that legalization does not increase adolescent cannabis use; regulated stores must check ages, which limits youth access better than a black market.

Finally, Idaho voters should reject the sneaky dueling measure. House Joint Resolution 4 would ban all citizen-initiated cannabis laws and give the legislature sole control. Instead of fearing half-truths, Idahoans should trust the facts: this initiative provides medically necessary relief under strict rules, not chaotic “recreational” use. Vote no on HJR 4 and yes on the medical marijuana initiative.

CLAYTON SAPPINGTON

Rathdrum