The "Sergeant Kitzhaber Medical Cannabis Act" amends Title 39 of the Idaho Code by introducing a new Chapter 96, which authorizes the possession, transportation, and use of cannabis and cannabis products for medical purposes under specific conditions. The bill establishes definitions related to medical cannabis, such as "medical cannabis card," "designated caregiver," and "qualifying conditions," while also creating an electronic verification system for patient cards and outlining penalties for violations. It specifies qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use, mandates practitioner registration and training, and emphasizes that insurers are not required to cover cannabis-related products. Additionally, the bill creates a qualified patient enterprise fund to support the board's responsibilities related to medical cannabis.

The legislation also amends existing laws regarding controlled substances, particularly by removing marijuana and certain synthetic cannabinoids from the list of controlled substances and introducing new classifications for various psychoactive substances. It establishes specific penalties for possession and trafficking of significant quantities of controlled substances, including marijuana, and clarifies that possession of marijuana over three ounces is a felony unless compliant with Chapter 96. The bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding both medical cannabis and controlled substances, ensuring that law enforcement can effectively address emerging drug challenges while providing legal protections for medical cannabis patients and caregivers.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 37-2705, 37-2707, 37-2732, 37-2732B, 25-2703