A new Idaho law establishing a mandatory minimum fine for cannabis possession officially took effect this week.
House Bill 7 was given approval earlier this year by the state’s legislature, with the Senate voting 27 to 8 and the House voting 54 to 14 vote. The proposal was signed into law by Governor Brad Little in February.
Under the new law, individuals caught with less than three ounces of marijuana—currently a misdemeanor offense—will now face a minimum $300 fine. Previously, Idaho’s law allowed for fines of up to $1,000 but did not set a floor, giving judges discretion to issue lesser penalties. That discretion has now been removed, although higher fines can still be imposed.
From 2018 to 2023, Idaho law enforcement made over 29,000 arrests for low-level cannabis possession charges.
Meanwhile, a group called Kind Idaho is working to place a marijuana decriminalization measure on the state’s November 2026 ballot.
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