Why Idaho, Nebraska, and Kansas Are Strongly Opposed to Cannabis?

Lana Braslavska
Lana Braslavska

A key author at AskGrowers, Lana Braslavska, specializes in presenting the latest news and trends within the cannabis industry. Her articles often highlight influential personalities and delve into their impact on the cannabis world. Her writing not only keeps readers informed about current events and key figures in the cannabis space but also provides a deeper understanding of the industry's relationship with public perception and media representation. Lana's expertise makes her an invaluable resource for anyone seeking education on the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry.

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Why Idaho, Nebraska, and Kansas Are Strongly Opposed to Cannabis?

In the last several years, the situation around cannabis has drastically changed, and so did the laws in the majority of the US states. Many stereotypes have been broken, and many countries have finally legalized marijuana. In some places, cannabis is entirely legal. In some, there are existing medical marijuana laws. In addition, the story on recreational cannabis legalization is changing as well, and the number of states where recreational marijuana is now legal keeps increasing.

However, specific states are still strongly opposed to cannabis, including Idaho, Nebraska, and Kansas. They remain the only ones without some policy that allows people to possess the products that contain THC, even in extremely low amounts. People who live in these countries are surrounded by states that approved the use of cannabis for medical or recreational purposes.

All this begs a ton of questions. Is the ban in these countries necessary? Or is it all just the stubbornness of officials who lack the courage to take responsibility and finally regulate the industry in their state? Are people still driven by the prejudices that cannabis is some sort of evil thing?

Top Reasons Why It Is Unreasonable to Have the States That Are Still Firmly Against Cannabis

Several reasons show why it is entirely unreasonable to have three states without policies that let people use marijuana for medical or recreational purposes.

Top Reasons to Legalize Marijuana

  • Patients cannot take advantage of natural cannabis but are forced to take chemical medicines – many studies have shown the health benefits of marijuana. Still, because these states do not allow the usage, people with specific health issues can't possess nor consume natural cannabis.
  • The black market keeps flourishing – as he states did not legalize marijuana for any of the purposes, the black market is not only surviving, it is thriving.
  • There is a high risk that dangerous products will reach users on the unregulated black market - As the cannabis field is not regulated, the black market keeps thriving, and the number of dangerous cannabis products increases.

All these reasons show the need to legalize cannabis in these states, at least for medical purposes. It will give patients the chance to feel better and to improve their quality of life.

The focus should always be on people and their needs. Somehow, some officials manage to turn the story around. By observing the situation as it is now, it seems cruel that people with various health problems are forced to spend the time, money, and effort to travel to one of the neighboring states to buy and use cannabis.

In some places, such as Washington DC, patients from other countries (but only certain states) can purchase medical marijuana if they are a part of the medical marijuana program and have a card. People from Idaho and Nevada won't be able to buy cannabis. Why? Because there is no medical marijuana Idaho program, and the same goes for Nevada.

It seems unfair and even crazy to see thousands of people in need being restricted from getting the help and relief they need. Isn't everyone supposed to be treated the same? If most states decided to make a move and legalize marijuana, at least for medical purposes, why do we still have the examples such as Idaho, Nevada, and Kansas? How long will it take for the officials in these countries to leave the prejudice behind and take action?

The Cannabis Situation in Idaho

If you have been wondering is marijuana legal in Idaho, the answer is no. According to Idaho marijuana laws, cannabis is illegal except for CBD. However, for CBD to be legal, it must not contain THC. In addition, it has to be made from the sterilized seeds or the mature stalks of the plant.

In April, the constitutional ban on legal cannabis has died in Idaho House. The legislation didn't attain the two-thirds majority required for the constitutional amendment to pass. The two-hour debate had two themes. One of them was that marijuana could be of great help for patients with pain, and another one was the damage cannabis can cause, especially for younger people.

Dorothy Moon, the Republican representative, pointed out the health benefits of CBD oil that comes with THC in small amounts. She also shared her view on the topic.

Idaho, Nebraska and Kansas Against Cannabis Quote

"If it helps people, then why don't we allow it because it sure as heck cannot get them high," she added.

However, not everyone looks at cannabis and legalization in the same way. For some representatives, marijuana is still an evil villain, and surrounding states that have approved cannabis for medical and recreational purposes seem like a huge disappointment.

"When we look over at Denver, or Seattle, or Portland, do we as Idahoans see Boise next? Is that what we want to see our cities, our towns, our communities become? Or do the people want us to raise that bar when we consider legalizing (drugs)? " said a republican rep. Gayann DeMorduant.

According to Idaho Citizens Coalition for Cannabis, Idahoans spend over $10 million every month to buy cannabis legally in neighboring states. The state loses over $30 million in cannabis taxes. Idaho people with specific health issues need to spend more money and time to get something people in other countries already have. It seems unfair and harsh. In addition, the state itself is at a loss. It is time for the officials of Idaho to wake up and realize that the time has come for cannabis to be legalized.

The Cannabis Situation in Nebraska

When it comes to Nebraska marijuana laws, the situation is similar to Idaho. Cannabis is illegal for all purposes, be it medical or recreational. Possession is unlawful as well. In states where cannabis is legalized, there are programs for the patients. Unfortunately, medical marijuana programs are not an option for the patients in this country.

There was a strong public push from medical cannabis patients, interested parties, and allies to establish a medical marijuana program. State Senator Anna Wishart introduced the LB 474 earlier this year to develop the program. However, the bill came up short with votes. In a post on Twitter, the senator thanked all the senators who voted in favor, apologized to the families, and promised she wouldn't give up.

During a news conference dedicated to the medical marijuana legislation, Nebraska Gov. Pete Rickets decided to launch an aggressive campaign against the legalization.

Idaho, Nebraska and Kansas Against Cannabis Quote

"This is a dangerous drug that will impact our kids. If you legalize marijuana, you're gonna kill your kids. That's what the data shows from around the country.", said Gov. Pete Rickets. He added that experts agree marijuana is dangerous.

However, the DEA tells a different story as it points out that no deaths from overdose of cannabis have been reported.

"I don't want this to be a personal issue against the governor," State Senator Anna Wishart, who was behind the medical marijuana bill, said in an interview at the Capitol. "An even if you are against this issue, it's coming. The tide is moving in, and we can't stick our heads in the sand and not prepare ourselves," she added.

Advocates for Marijuana legalization Nebraska are now kicking off a 2022 ballot effort to authorize cannabis for medical purposes.

The Cannabis Situation in Kansas

Compared with the other two states firmly opposed to cannabis, Idaho, and Nebraska, Kansas has made some significant moves. When it comes to the question is marijuana legal in Kansas, the answer is still no. But, the state took a giant step toward legalization.

Conservative Republicans passed the medical marijuana legalization bill. It will lead to establishing a Kansas marijuana program. Cannabis advocates are hopeful the measure will pass the Senate.

Idaho, Nebraska and Kansas Against Cannabis Quote

"Government is becoming a nanny state. We really need to get back to individual responsibility and trusting that people will use this medical marijuana in a responsible manner, at home in order to help their seizures or other issues that they have," said a conservative republican rep. Blake Carpenter.

"In 10 years, when we're driving down Main Street, and there are two and three dispensaries on every block, that's on us. We did that", said Tatum Lee-Hahn, the Republican representative from western Kansas. He also added that once Kansas medical marijuana is legalized, the door for recreational use authorization will open as well.

Conclusion

In many states, marijuana is legalized for medical purposes. Let's not forget to mention that the recreational program is now present in many countries as well, and it has shown itself really well. It did not cause widespread drug addiction or any harmful effects, and yet, in Idaho, Nevada, in Kansas, even medical cannabis is banned.

Kansas has made a giant step forward legalization of cannabis for medical purposes. That step opened the door for the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes at some point. Unfortunately, Idaho and Nebraska are still far behind. Is it because many still see cannabis as something evil? Definitely - especially once we took a closer look at some of the statements some officials have given not so long ago.

Cannabis advocates are trying to educate the people and the public about the benefits legalization of cannabis may bring to patients and entire states in terms of economy. Unfortunately, many people still observe the situation the same way Nebraska Gov. Pete Rickets does.

Such statements and the outlook some people have are the direct results of a lack of education about cannabis, its products, and its benefits. In addition, the old beliefs and prejudices should finally stay right where they need to be – behind, in the past. It is time for everyone to gather information and get involved, especially the officials.

With all being said, a ban in the present time is itself stupid. Officials are claiming they are serving the people and doing what's best. The time has come to see them doing what they are preaching. They need to become courageous and finally take responsibility to regulate the marijuana industry in their state. Most of them wasted so much time on bans that are much easier than really making an effort to create a system that will satisfy everyone. Hopefully, the move Kansas and other states made will wake up Idaho and Nebraska as well.

References

https://disa.com/map-of-marijuana-legality-by-state

https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx

https://capitalcitycare.com/out-of-state/

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/idaho/articles/2021-04-15/constitutional-ban-on-legal-marijuana-dies-in-idaho-house

https://idahocann.co/

https://twitter.com/NebraskaAnna/status/1392625835551739913

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/03/12/nebraska-gov-pete-ricketts-legal-marijuana-kill-your-kids/4663466001/

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-06/drug_of_abuse.pdf

https://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/lincoln-senator-behind-medical-marijuana-bill-prompted-by-science-empathy/article_6bfa21ef-e4c5-5bb9-b36b-f292c12eed99.html

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