Idaho: Gov. Little signed the excessive marijuana fine bill

We are disappointed to announce that Governor Brad Little (R) signed the regressive marijuana bill, HB 7, into law. The new law imposes an exorbitant $300 fine as a mandatory minimum on low-level possession of marijuana. This is in addition to possible jail time and a higher fine.

Idaho has no mandatory minimum fines for misdemeanors that victimize other people, including assault and attempted strangulation.

As one of the veterans who testified against HB 7 stated, this bill will negatively impact our veterans who use marijuana, including those who use it as a less harmful alternative to opioids. Now the folks who fight for our country will be fined $300 for a plant that helps them.

This is extremely disheartening. While 24 other states have legalized and 39 states allow medical marijuana, Idaho lawmakers are making their policies more draconian and backwards.

We realize there is work to be done in Idaho. Idaho has a ballot initiative process, and we hope that voters will have an opportunity to move their state forward.