Inaccuracies within the language of a proposed Idaho marijuana decriminalization initiative led to its withdrawal. The initiative included that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorsed medical access to marijuana. That is not the case, in fact, it is the complete opposite of the AAP’s stance on marijuana, ABC 6 reports.
The initiative would have made medical marijuana legal in the state and would have decriminalized the possession of 3 ounces of marijuana or less.
The AAP responded with the statement via written letter, “This language misrepresents the American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement. The AAP opposes legalization of marijuana because of the potential harms to children and adolescents. We request that New Approach Idaho, Inc. cease using the American Academy of Pediatrics name in its existing ballot initiative materials immediately.”
Idaho Office of Drug Policy administrator, Elisha Figueroa says, “I am very pleased that the marijuana legalization petition has been withdrawn. It is well-known that marijuana use adversely affects the health and developing brains of children and adolescents and legalization increases access to this harmful drug, so today is a great day for the health and safety of Idaho’s children.”
The initiative may return in the future after changes are made to its language.