Will Idaho Governor Butch Otter Approve Legislation That Legalizes Cannabis Oil?

On Monday, the Idaho House of Representatives approved a bill that legalizes cannabis oil for patients suffering from severe epilepsy. The bill was sent to Governor Butch Otter for approval, but advocates are not sure if he will sign it.

The legislation, dubbed Alexis’ bill, was named after 10 year old Alexis Carey, who suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy. Over the last 18 months, Alexis’ parents have been lobbying state lawmakers to legalize cannabis oil.

Bill faces strong pushback

The legislation has seen strong resistance and pushback from the Governor’s drug policy office, as well as prosecutors and law enforcement. But why?

They say that the legalization of cannabis oil marks a slippery slope towards the legalization of marijuana. Law enforcement has said that the legislation could cause problems with enforcing and prosecuting other drug crimes.

“This bill changes the approach Idaho has taken to drug policy and does so based on anecdote, not scientific evidence,” said GOP Representative Luke Malek.

Malek said that the legislation would hinder the work of drug-sniffing dogs as well as require new equipment for testing in state labs.

“I’m genuinely concerned about looking on this from only an emotional viewpoint,” said Republican Rep. Richard Wills. “We have to look at this from a rational, logical viewpoint today.”

Increased support from the Republican Party

Republican Representative Dell Raybould was a key supporter of the legislation. He told fellow lawmakers about his granddaughter, who died when she was 5 years old from frequent seizures.

“I don’t know if this product would have given her relief or not, but everything in the world would have been worth it,” he said.

Marijuana supporters must rally in favor of this bill

In late march, Georgia became the 12th state to legalize cannabis oil. Medical marijuana supporters need to rally together and help get this bill passed. The opposition’s rationale for not approving the bill is preposterous and inaccurate.

Share this article and show your support for Alexis and everyone else who suffers from Dravet Syndrome! 

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Michael Berger is Managing Partner of StoneBridge Partners, LLC and Founder of Technical420.com. Prior to entering the cannabis industry, Michael was an Equity Research Analyst at Raymond James Financial covering the Energy Sector. Michael has been featured in publications such as The Street, Bloomberg, US Money News, and hosts various cannabis events across North America.

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