Idaho

Idaho Medical Marijuana Campaign Collects Over 45,000 Signatures For Ballot Initiative As Poll Shows Strong Voter Support – Marijuana Moment

Published

2 weeks ago

February 2, 2026

Idaho Medical Marijuana Campaign Collects Over 45,000 Signatures For Ballot Initiative As Poll Shows Strong Voter Support – Marijuana Moment

An Idaho campaign says it’s collected more than 45,000 signatures to put a medical marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot—and recent polling shows overwhelming majority support for the reform among residents.

The Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho (NMAI) announced on Friday that it’s amassed its signature haul with a team of petitioners deployed throughout the state targeting “high-traffic areas” and public events to meet the threshold for ballot placement.

To make the cut, the campaign needs 70,725 valid signatures from registered voters statewide, including six percent from at least 18 of the state’s 35 legislative districts.

“Idahoans are excited to finally have the chance to bring non-addictive, natural medical treatment alternatives to patients here at home,” Amanda Watson, communications lead for the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho, said in a press release. “With Idaho being one of just four states where cannabis is fully illegal, these numbers indicate that voters are ready for change.”

The Idaho Medical Cannabis Act, which NMAI unveiled in October, would provide patients with qualifying conditions access to marijuana from a limited number of dispensaries and provide a regulatory framework for the market.

Here are the main provisions of the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act:

Health practitioners would be able to recommend medical cannabis to patients with conditions that include, but are not limited to, cancer, anxiety and acute pain.
Medical marijuana patients or their designated caregiver could purchase up to 113 grams of smokeable cannabis, or 20 grams of THC extract for vaping, per month.
The state would be start by issuing three vertically integrated cannabis business licenses, after which point it could license up to six total.
Marijuana would be reclassified under state law as a Schedule II, rather than Schedule I, controlled substance.
State and local law enforcement would be barred from assisting in federal drug enforcement activities related to the state-legal cannabis program.
There would be anti-discrimination protections for those who use or sell marijuana in compliance from state law, preventing adverse actions by employers, landlords and educational institutions.
It does not appear that there would be any equity-centered reforms, nor would the initiative provide for a home grow option.

In addition to the signature update, the campaign also released the results of a statewide poll showing that 83 percent of likely voters back medical cannabis legalization, including 74 percent of Republicans, 95 percent of Democrats and 92 percent of independents.

Asked how they would vote if the current medical cannabis legalization does appear on the November ballot, 76 percent of respondents said “yes.” Of that cohort, 50 percent said they would “definitively” vote yes, and just 21 percent said they’d vote “no.”

The survey involved interviews with 400 likely voters from October 23-26 of last year, with a +/- 4.9 percentage point margin of error.

After the medical cannabis initiative was unveiled last year, a separate campaign that launched in 2024, Kind Idaho, told supporters that it would be suspending its own signature gathering for a ballot initiative to legalize the personal possession and cultivation of marijuana by adults.

Kind Idaho previously introduced medical marijuana ballot measures intended to go before voters in both the 2022 and 2024 elections, but the efforts proved unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, voters this year will see a different kind of proposal on the ballot: A constitutional amendment that the legislature approved to make it so only lawmakers could legalize marijuana or other controlled substances.

—
Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
—

Legislators separately held a hearing last March to discuss a bill to enact medical cannabis legalization legislatively, but there hasn’t been meaningful action on the issue in the months since.

Separately, a bill from Rep. Bruce Skaug (R) last year would have set a $420 mandatory minimum fine for cannabis possession, removing judges’ discretion to apply lower penalties. Skaug said the bill, which ultimately stalled in committee, would send the message that Idaho is tough on marijuana.

House lawmakers also passed a bill to ban marijuana advertisements, though the Senate later defeated the measure.

Photo courtesy of Brian Shamblen.

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Idaho

Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on Feb. 15, 2026

Published

9 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Press Room

The results are in for the Idaho Lottery’s draw games on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 15.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Feb. 15 drawing

Day: 8-5-8

Night: 7-3-1

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Feb. 15 drawing

Day: 9-7-1-9

Night: 2-2-8-3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Feb. 15 drawing

18-25-30-33-35, Lucky Ball: 06

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Idaho Cash numbers from Feb. 15 drawing

05-13-31-32-44

Check Idaho Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Idaho Lottery drawings held ?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
Pick 4: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
Lucky For Life: 8:35 p.m. MT Monday and Thursday.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Idaho

Pocatello community invited to celebrate 125 years of Idaho State University – The Bengal

Published

21 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Press Room

Pocatello community invited to celebrate 125 years of Idaho State University – The Bengal

Various signs are posted throughout campus in honor of Idaho State University’s 125th anniversary this year. PHOTO CREDIT: Kaili Tucker/Photo Editor.

By Austen Hunzeker

News Editor

Idaho State University is turning 125 years old on March 11, and students, faculty and the Pocatello community at large are invited to celebrate the milestone all year long.

“Like a grand oak, Idaho State University was planted with purpose, and over generations its roots have stretched wide and deep, strengthening our foundation and sustaining our growth,” said ISU President Robert Wagner in a university statement. “In 2026, we proudly honor those who established and nurtured this institution, while continuing the heritage and adding to the growth that will support future generations for the next century and beyond.”

Year-long festivities are to occur, including Bengal Giving Day March 10-11, a day of service on March 11 and a Bengal Street Party slated for a date yet to be determined in September. More events and details will be shared with the public as they’re revealed by the university.

Additionally, a traveling history display highlighting various impactful moments and people to the institution will be accessible at multiple locations throughout 2026.

An online memory board was also launched in January for students, staff, alumni and community members to post their favorite memories from ISU. Over 40 memories have been posted so far and can be accessed at https://isu.kudoboard.com/boards/KnjNykxw#view.

“In May 2020 the commencement ceremony was canceled due to COVID,” Patty Tryon posted on the memory board. “Although our children were not able to cross that stage to get their diplomas, my husband, Tom, and I were bursting with pride as all three of our children, Chad, Brooke and Mariya, graduated from ISU with doctorate, master and bachelor degrees. Tom and I are also ISU alumni. ISU has provided a great experience and education for my family. We are proud to be ISU Bengals”

Mustafa Mashal, civil engineering professor at ISU, posted that he was proud to serve as the advising structural engineer for the student-led redesign and construction of the 71-foot Red Hill “I” that was installed in 2019.

“The project exemplified hands-on learning, collaboration and service to the university and community,” he said. “Seeing students translate classroom knowledge into a lasting campus landmark was especially rewarding.”

Governor Frank W. Hunt signed Senate Bill 53 into law on March 11, 1901, creating the Academy of Idaho — known today as Idaho State University. Former Pocatello mayor and Idaho state senator Theodore F. Turner drafted the bill and is now considered the “father” of ISU.

“From 1901 to today, education and impact have been what drives us,” Wagner said. “We may have started small, but as we celebrate 125 years, one thing is clear: Idaho State University is on a bold path forward.”

For more information on ISU’s 125th anniversary, visit https://www.isu.edu/125years/.

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Idaho

What Idaho AARP Members Are Saying: Highlights from the 2025 Survey

Published

2 days ago

February 14, 2026

Press Room

What Idaho AARP Members Are Saying: Highlights from the 2025 Survey

AARP regularly surveys members across the country to better understand their experiences and concerns. The 2025 AARP Member Opinion Survey offers an important snapshot of what matters most to members here in Idaho—and the results highlight key challenges around financial security, health, independence, and staying connected

VIEW THE ENTIRE SURVEY HERE

Financial Security and Retirement

Economic concerns remain front and center for Idaho members. Ensuring the future of Social Security is the top economic issue, with many also worried about inflation and the rising cost of everyday necessities like groceries, utilities, and insurance. More than six in ten members are concerned about the security of their retirement plans and having enough money to retire. While many hope to retire around age 70, most expect it may take longer.

Fraud and Online Safety

Fraud continues to affect Idahoans directly. Nearly one in five members report being a victim of fraud or a scam in the past two years, and more than half are concerned about online security and privacy. Members also express concern about keeping up with technology and the growing role of artificial intelligence in daily life.

Health and Independence

Health care costs, Medicare benefits, and staying mentally sharp rank among the most common concerns. While only a small share report recent memory loss, the vast majority say maintaining mental sharpness is extremely important. Physical health and chronic conditions are also top worries for many members.

Housing and Caregiving

Most Idaho AARP members own their homes, yet many are concerned about being able to remain there as they age. Long‑term care affordability is a significant issue, especially as one in five members serves as a family caregiver. Many also worry about their ability to support a loved one in the future.

Staying Connected

While few members report recent isolation or loneliness, many are concerned about staying socially connected as they grow older. Access to technology remains uneven, with nearly three in ten Idaho members lacking high‑speed internet—creating challenges for communication, services, and online safety

Why This Matters

The 2025 survey reinforces what AARP Idaho hears every day: members want to age with financial security, good health, independence, and connection. These insights help guide AARP Idaho’s advocacy, education, and community work—ensuring we stay focused on the issues that matter most to Idahoans as they age.

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