Idaho Gov. Brad Little signs $300 mandatory minimum fine for marijuana possession into law
In this file photo, Tim Blakeley, manager of Sunset Junction medical marijuana dispensary, shows marijuana plant buds on May 11, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. ()
The minimum fine for anyone convicted of simple marijuana possession in Idaho is increasing to $300 on July 1 after Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a mandatory minimum fine bill into law on Monday.
Little signed House Bill 7 into law Monday morning, making it the sixth bill to become law during the 2025 legislative session.
The new law states that for anyone convicted of simple marijuana possession of less than 3 ounces, the person shall be subject to a fine of not less than $300, in addition to any other penalties in state law, such as court costs.
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The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa; Sen. Brandon Shippy, R-New Plymouth; and nine other Republican legislators, including House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star.
Most of Idaho's neighboring states allow some form of recreational or medical cannabis. Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington allow for the recreational use of cannabis, while Utah allows medical cannabis.
Supporters of the law said it is a way to be tough on marijuana and differentiate Idaho from its surrounding states.
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