Idaho is one of the least cannabis-friendly states in the Union. The possession of more than three ounces of cannabis is a felony carrying penalties of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. It's also illegal to sell, deliver, or cultivate cannabis whether it's medical or recreational. Even the possession of paraphernalia is a misdemeanor offense that can bring a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. Simply put, Idaho is cannabis-averse, but that could slowly be changing due to 25 sick children.
Although Governor Butch Otter (not to be confused with, well, a butch otter) vetoed a bill last spring that would have legalized cannabis oil to treat children with severe forms of epilepsy, he did sign an executive order that will allow for the implementation of a special program that will explore the "very limited use" of CBD oil in treating 25 sick children. The young patients will be administered CBD oil, and children will qualify if they have tried at least four different medications but still suffer four or more seizures per month.
While this news is truly a sparkling diamond in the rough for the Gem State, many parents can't help but feel somewhat jaded by the program as it will only accept 25 children out of the thousands who could benefit from CBD treatment. Still, there's hope that if this program is successful, it will lead to wider acceptance of the medicinal benefits cannabis can offer to a state that has historically been one of the most restrictive in the country. Welcome to a new era of progress, Idaho — we hope you like what you see and come back for more.
