Citing the many health benefits of cannabis, medical marijuana activist Tim Teater outlined a proposal to legalize the drug at a press conference at the Capitol this afternoon. In front a smattering of reporters and cameras, Teater said it’s time for Idaho to join other states – including every state in the Northwest – in giving patients and their caregivers more alternatives.

“Idaho needs to step up to the plate,” said Teater, the state coordinator for the Idaho Affiliate of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML. He wants lawmakers to pass legislation allowing patients suffering from serious illnesses the chance to grow marijuana. If the Legislature did so, Idaho would join 12 other states that have similar laws. Marijuana is used to help treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

No legislative sponsor has been named, however.

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