Constitutional ban on legal pot advances in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — As legal weed becomes a reality across the U.S., Idaho is putting up a fight.

State lawmakers on Friday moved forward with a proposed constitutional amendment that would prevent the legalization of pot in the state in an attempt to keep the growing nationwide acceptance of the drug from seeping across its borders.

The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to approve a joint resolution that bans all psychoactive drugs not already legal in the state.

Backers say the state Constitution needs to be changed because neighboring states have approved marijuana use, and it could happen in Idaho.

Those opposed say medical marijuana is needed for residents suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses.