Idaho lawmakers seek federal help fighting marijuana

BOISE, Idaho — In a historically conservative state that often opposes so many forms of federal involvement — from the health care law to endangered species acts — Idaho lawmakers are now looking for all the help they can get from Washington when it comes to enforcing the nation’s drug laws.

The Senate State Affairs Committee approved two anti-marijuana resolutions Wednesday, including one urging the government to enforce existing drug laws along borders with states that continue to relax marijuana statutes.

“We are making a statement that we as a legislature, at this time, do not support the legalization of marijuana because of the impact we’ve seen in the other states around us,” said Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Boise.

Winder also is the chief sponsor of a resolution affirming the state’s position against use of marijuana in any form, medically or otherwise.

Both resolutions, merely symbolic policy gestures, are now headed to the Senate for debate before vetting begins in the Idaho House.

But for a state that makes a habit of bucking the federal government, the appeal for strict enforcement of federal drug laws has some taking note.

“In some instances we seek the federal government to come and enforce the law, and in other instances, we seem to decide we don’t want the federal government to enforce the law in our state,” Sen. Elliot Werk, D-Boise, said before the committee voted Wednesday.

In recent years, Idaho lawmakers led the march in 2010 to sue in a failed attempt to overturn President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul. Idaho legislators also blasted efforts by lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to require new “Real ID” drivers licenses that some saw as a privacy intrusion.

This year, lawmakers are also considering beginning an effort to take over more than 16 million acres of federally managed land, on grounds that Idaho officials can do it better.

But Winder said the drug proposals are a separate matter.

“I think it’s different because the federal government has the responsibility to provide law enforcement of interstate traffic of illegal drugs,” he said.

The resolutions making their way through the Idaho Capitol come as a counterpunch to recent developments in three neighboring states.

Last fall, voters in Washington state and Colorado approved measures allowing recreational use of marijuana for adults. Oregon and Montana, meanwhile, each allow marijuana use for medical purposes.

At a public hearing on the measures Wednesday, more than 150 people — including more than a dozen teens sporting red “Don’t let Idaho go to pot” t-shirts — packed a Capitol auditorium to debate marijuana use.

Some said they’ve considered moving to nearby states with looser marijuana laws, and representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union and Compassionate Idaho say the resolution builds barriers for people using marijuana for pain related to cancer and other illnesses.

But law enforcement, some physicians and anti-drug groups backing the measure decried pot as a gateway drug that dangerously impairs users.

“I am begging, and I am pleading you — on all four hands and knees — to find another way because marijuana is not the answer,” said Nick Chaffin, a teen with the Bonneville Youth Development Council.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The Everett Municipal Building on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett council approves $111 million construction of sewer project

The Port Gardner Storage Facility, in the works for more than a decade, will help prevent overflows of the city sewer system.

Two students walk along a path through campus Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. A group of nearly 20 community groups are planning to study how to make it easier for young people to find jobs. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Goal for Everett coalition: Make it easier for young people to find jobs

The organizations hope the months-long process will improve access to resources for young people.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.