Lenney to propose Ban on Snoop Dogg Songs in 2026, Cites “Weed Lyrics Epidemic”
Lenney, once a pro-weed politician, continues his crusade against marijuana
In a move that has left music fans and civil liberties advocates scratching their heads, Idaho State Senator Brian Lenney, R-Nampa, announced plans to introduce a bill in the 2026 legislative session that would ban the public playing of Snoop Dogg songs due to their frequent references to marijuana.
The proposal, dubbed the “Clean Airwaves Act,” aims to extend the state’s recent ban on advertising illegal products to what Lenney calls “musical endorsements of unlawful behavior.”
“Snoop Dogg’s lyrics are basically 3-minute commercials for weed,” Lenney said during a press conference. “If we’re serious about keeping Idaho drug-free, we can’t let his songs pollute our airwaves—or our children’s minds.”
The proposed legislation would prohibit the broadcast of any song that “glorifies or promotes the use of marijuana,” with fines for violators ranging from $500 to $5,000.
Lenney also hinted at the possibility of expanding the ban to include other artists with cannabis-themed discographies, such as Willie Nelson and Wiz Khalifa.
Critics have been quick to pounce on the proposal, calling it an overreach and a potential violation of free speech. “This is a slippery slope,” said Boise State University law professor Linda Grayson. “What’s next? Banning Bob Marley for singing about peace and love?”
Lenney, however, remains undeterred. “This isn’t about censorship,” he insisted. “It’s about protecting Idaho’s values. If Snoop wants to rap about kale or potatoes, that’s fine. But weed? Not on my watch.”
When asked whether he had ever listened to Snoop Dogg’s music, Lenney admitted he had not. “I don’t need to,” he said. “I’ve read the lyrics, and that’s enough to know they’re a gateway to moral decay.”
This year, Lenney and a number of his colleagues passed House Bill 271, a measure that bans the advertisement of products illegal in Idaho, including marijuana. Gov. Brad Little signed the measure into law, and the prohibition takes effect later this year.
Lenney’s 2026 proposal has already sparked lively debate on social media, with hashtags like #DropItLikeItsBan and #SnoopFreeIdaho trending locally. Snoop Dogg himself has yet to comment, though fans have speculated that his response will likely involve a laid-back shrug and a cloud of smoke.
As the 2026 session approaches, Idahoans are left to wonder whether the Legislature will truly take on the task of regulating rap lyrics—or if this is just another case of political posturing. Either way, one thing is clear: the debate over Snoop Dogg’s place in Idaho culture is far from over.