Many Idaho residents may be curious about the process a bill goes through before becoming law in...
Marijuana Fines
Feb. 25th Governor Little signed H 7 in to law!
Feb. 19, 2025
H007 Marijuana possession fine. Has passed both House and Senate and will be heading to the Governor's desk soon. The Governor has 5 days to veto, sign it, or do nothing which would automatically make it law.
Update on H007 the pot bill, with thanks to Monte who has been relentless in his pursuit to keep Idaho free of recreational drugs!
From Monte:
Friends, HB 7, which received overwhelming support from the House Judiciary and Rules Committee on Wednesday, is expected to come up for a vote on the House floor early next week. This bill is already drawing national attention from pro-marijuana lobbying groups, making it critical to communicate with your Representatives immediately. You can find contact information for House members here:
Beyond reaching out personally, please encourage others in your circle of influence to do the same. A strong, unified voice is essential.
Opponents of this bill used two main arguments:
1. A $300 fine is a terrible burden on low-income individuals.
Reality Check: The average cost of an ounce of marijuana in Idaho is $240, while THC concentrates sold in Ontario pot shops average $50 per gram (with 28 grams in an ounce). This means that an ounce of concentrate has a value of $1,400. Three ounces would be $4,200!!! So, a $300 fine is minuscule in comparison. Every dollar spent on pot is money not available for essentials like food, clothing, diapers, school supplies, real medicine, or housing. Instead, it goes up in smoke to get people high -- parents, workers, drivers, and kids.
2. Marijuana is medicine.
Reality Check: A growing mountain of evidence shows that the harms of marijuana—both to individuals and society—far outweigh any perceived benefits. The consequences of lenient drug policies are painfully clear in states like Oregon, California, and Colorado, where drug normalization has led to increased addiction, crime, and social decline. Idaho has no interest in following that path.
HB 7 clearly shows that Idaho remains firm in its opposition to drug normalization. Please get in touch with your legislators today and encourage others to do the same.
Here is one of many pro-pot news articles
Idaho Lawmakers Approve Bill To Set Mandatory Minimum Fine For Marijuana Possession
The Marijuana Moment
January 17, 2025
