Idaho now fines 300$ for cannabis possession

The Idaho Senate has passed Bill 7, which provides for a mandatory minimum fine of $300 for persons convicted of possessing less than three ounces (84 grams) of cannabis. The bill, which had already been approved by the Idaho House of Representatives, must now be considered by the Idaho House of Representatives. Governor Brad Little.

Idaho maintains a strict stance on cannabis. The state has not legalized cannabis for medical or adult use, unlike many neighbouring states.

Tougher penalties for cannabis

The Idaho Senate approved the bill by 27 votes against 8, after the House of Representatives had approved it. approved by 54 votes to 14 on January 21. If enacted, the measure will come into force July 1st.

Bill 7, co-sponsored by the Senator Brandon Shippy, Under this law, any adult over the age of 18 in possession of less than 3 ounces of cannabis will have to pay at least 300 fine, in addition to the other sanctions provided for under current law.

According to Mr. Shippy, this legislation aims to differentiate the’Idaho neighboring states, many of which have legalized cannabis for recreational or medical purposes.

«Not so long ago, cannabis was illegal in all 50 states,» said Shippy. «None of the states where cannabis is legalized has become a better, safer or wealthier place to live and raise a family.»

Opponents of the bill argue that the imposition of a mandatory minimum fine limits the discretionary power of judges and does not necessarily deter drug use. Melissa Wintrow, Senate Democratic Minority Leader, questioned the effectiveness of fines in reducing cannabis possession and criticized the seemingly arbitrary amounts of the fines.

«Studies show that fines are not always a deterrent, and we know that legislation was proposed another year that provided for a fine of 420 dollars, which was not adopted, and we are now at the stage of 300 dollars »said Ms. Wintrow.

This bill is very similar to the House Bill 606, which failed last year due to the’420 fine that it provided. The revised version seems to have enjoyed greater legislative support thanks to the lower fine.

Idaho opposes regional legalization trends

Unlike its neighbouring states’Oregon, Washington, the Nevada and the Montana, which legalized cannabis and the’Utah, which authorizes medical use - Idaho remains one of the few U.S. states with strict anti-cannabis laws. Supporters of Bill 7 see the measure as reinforcing Idaho's opposition to cannabis legalization, despite the growing national and regional trend toward decriminalization.

Now that the bill has been passed by the legislature, Gov. Brad Little must decide whether to sign it, let it pass without signing it, or veto it.