By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“The more I speak on it, the more I realize people generally are of the belief that this is about regulating marijuana and they don’t understand that it has a far broader impact on their ability to resort to the initiative to exercise their rights.” - David Adler, president of the nonprofit Alturas Institute in Idaho Falls, on HJR 4
A voter casts his ballot in the May 19, 2026, primary election at Emerson High School in Idaho Falls. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
ELECTION 2026
Passing HJR 4 would give Idaho Legislature sole authority to legalize marijuana, other drugs
By Clark Corbin
Idahoans voting in November’s general election will decide whether to give the Idaho Legislature the sole power to regulate marijuana and other drugs — and eliminate their right to bring a citizen-led ballot initiative to do so.
Liquid kratom extracts and capsules containing 7-OH are displayed for sale at a smoke shop in Buffalo, N.Y. A growing market is prompting state lawmakers to reconsider how the substance should be regulated. (Photo by Amanda Watford/Stateline)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Kratom, 7-OH laws diverge amid the spread of potent synthetic products
By Amanda Watford
For years, the psychoactive compound kratom has been sold across much of the United States as an herbal supplement, available in powders, capsules and extracts with few of the restrictions applied to controlled substances.
But the market is changing. Products containing a potentially dangerous kratom derivative known as concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, and other chemically modified kratom compounds are increasingly being sold alongside traditional kratom leaf products, prompting state lawmakers and federal regulators to reconsider how the substances should be regulated.
Joleen Noble, executive director of the Idaho Diaper Bank, says the nonprofit organization typically provides more than 75,000 diapers to children in need per month. (Photo courtesy of the Idaho Diaper Bank)
COMMENTARY
Idaho Diaper Bank offers pocketbook relief to local families in need
By Chuck Malloy
One big way individuals and businesses can help is through the nonprofit’s diaper drives, writes guest columnist Chuck Malloy.
MORE IDAHO NEWS FROM US
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
High Country News: Toxic algal blooms are spreading across the West
Post Register: Idaho AG to campaign Tuesday in Idaho Falls
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