Idaho Medical Marijuana Facts

Among the more disappointing medical marijuana facts for Idaho is that no matter how serious an illness a patient might be suffering, he or she had no access to medical cannabis — not even cannabidiol (CBD) oil, which is available in more than 40 other states. A measure to allow patients with epileptic seizures access to CBD oil passed the legislature in 2015, but Governor Butch Otter vetoed it. Despite the fact that use of CBD oil can greatly reduce — and, in many instances, completely stop — seizures, Otter said there were too many questions regarding the bill. He was also concerned that it would eventually lead to the complete legalization of weed.

Marijuana Facts for Idaho

• Marijuana-related arrests in Idaho increased from 2,847 in the year 2003 to 3,542 in 2007. The arrest rate in 2003 was 208 per 100,000, while in 2007, it was only 236. During this same time period, the number of annual marijuana users in Idaho increased from 101,000 in 2003 to 103,000 in 2007. This was an average annualized change of 0.39% per year.
• The most significant characteristic of marijuana-related drug treatment admissions is that a majority of them in the state of Idaho are the result of referrals from the criminal justice system, often as an alternative to jail time as a sentence for marijuana possession or sales offense.
• One of the most disturbing Idaho marijuana facts is that possession of as little as three ounces of weed can lead to a jail term as long as a year and a fine of up to $1,000. Anyone caught with more than three ounces will face a felony, which is punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine of as much as $10,000.
• In terms of the overall severity of maximum sentences for marijuana possession, the state of Idaho ranks number 14 in the nation, based on penalties for a first offense. When it comes to penalties that are just less than one ounce of marijuana, Idaho ranks number three, along with 17 other states.
• If someone is caught intending to distribute up to a pound of marijuana — or up to 24 plants — he or she will face felony punishment of up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000. Anyone caught with more than a pound or 25 or more plants will be charged with trafficking. This can lead to as long as 15 years in prison and as much as a $50,000 fine. The same rules apply to the cultivation of cannabis.
• Marijuana possession arrests accounted for nearly 95% of all marijuana arrests that were made in Idaho during the year 2007. There were 3,332 arrests for marijuana possession in Idaho in 2007 and 210 arrests made for marijuana sales.

Keep checking in with MarijuanaDoctors.com, and we’ll keep you updated on marijuana facts for Idaho and all other states. We want you to be as well informed as possible, so we will provide further information whenever developments warrant.