I have had a distinguished military career. It’s not like I have any criminal records.
By Mia Maldonado, Idaho Capital Sun
Jeremy Kitzhaber (a U.S. Air Force Veteran) showed a blue lunchbag to a panel of Idaho legislators Monday. He uses it to store his drugs, which include hydrocodone morphine, and oxycodone.
Kitzhaber developed a rare form of cancer in stage four while transporting hazardous and radioactive materials for the military. He can take those strong opioids at any point in the day—in addition to the drugs he takes to keep his cancer from growing and manage his bowel movement and anxiety. The only drug that he is not allowed to take legally is marijuana.
Idaho’s laws are among the toughest in the country against marijuana. However, Kitzhaber was able to open the debate by presenting a proposal to legalize marijuana as a form of medical treatment for Idahoans with chronic pain and answering questions from lawmakers on what the legalization of marijuana might look like.
Kitzhaber, who has worked on marijuana legislation for the past six years, was honored this year by Reps. Ilana Redman and Jordan Rubel, both of whom are from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, when they named House Bill 401 or “Sgt. Kitzhaber Medical Cannabis Act is named in his honor. It was introduced as a private bill by the sponsors, which means it will not advance this session.
What is the medical marijuana landscape in Idaho like?
Idaho is the only state that does not allow marijuana to be used recreationally or medically.
At least two legislative pieces were introduced in 2025 to curb marijuana consumption. The bill, signed by the Governor and scheduled to go into effect on July 1, will implement a minimum $300 fine for those found in possession of less than 3 ounces of marijuana.
The Idaho Constitution was amended in both chambers. This amendment, if passed by the voters, will give only the Idaho Legislature power to legalize drugs like marijuana.
Rubel said that House Bill 401 follows Utah’s model of legislation. He told the committee Idaho legislators should consider such legislation at some time.
This bill will change marijuana’s classification from Schedule I to Schedule II. The bill would permit medical practitioners to issue medical cannabis cards for patients diagnosed with conditions like cancer, ALS or AIDS. Crohn’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and Crohn’s disease are also eligible. Card holders would have a one-year validity period and must renew their card.
According to the bill, those with medical cannabis cards will not be prosecuted for possessing certain amounts of marijuana.
Kitzhaber stated that the bill “does not legalize marijuana, but only decriminalizes” it.
Rep. Rob Beiswenger, R-Horseshoe Bend asked Kitzhaber about the legislation’s approach to preventing marijuana smell from reaching the general public. Kitzhaber explained that using medical marijuana would be prohibited in public. Users would also lose their license if they violated the policy.
Kitzhaber was treated for eight different cancer types and 150 treatments. According to him, his treatment and medication costs around $17,000 per month. In states where marijuana is legal, he has tried it and said that it helps him to sleep. He said that marijuana is cheaper and safer than his current opioids.
Kitzhaber, who is a veteran, told the Committee that medical marijuana was a good idea for him and others with similar illnesses. But he said he wouldn’t risk it because it could jeopardize benefits he receives as a veteran in Idaho.
“I’ve had an outstanding military career.” Kitzhaber told Kitzhaber, “I have no criminal record and do not want to be charged with anything like this.”
The original publication of this story is Idaho Capital Sun.
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Philip Steffan is the photographer.