Idaho’s New Cannabis Bill: What House Bill 606 Means for Residents

20 February 2024

Idaho Representative Bruce Skaug has introduced House Bill 606, proposing a mandatory minimum fine of $420 for possession of less than three ounces of marijuana. Presented to the Idaho Legislature’s House State Affairs Committee on February 13, 2024, the bill updates prior legislation by specifying that the fine would be in addition to existing penalties under Idaho Statutes for controlled substances. This proposal underscores Idaho’s firm stance against cannabis legalization, even as neighboring states like Oregon and Washington have adopted recreational and medical marijuana programs that generate significant tax revenue.

Critics, including the Kind Idaho political action committee, argue the fine trivializes the challenges faced by medical cannabis patients, many of whom must travel to neighboring states for treatment due to Idaho’s restrictive laws. Reports from Oregon’s cannabis market reveal towns like Ontario see millions in marijuana sales, largely fueled by Idaho residents—a missed economic opportunity for Idaho. Advocates for medical marijuana contend that legalization could reduce healthcare costs, improve treatment options for conditions such as PTSD and epilepsy, and keep tax revenue within the state.

Under current federal law, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance, restricting research and medical applications. While President Joe Biden’s 2022 proposal to reconsider marijuana’s classification offered hope, no major changes have occurred. Idaho’s resistance reflects this broader federal uncertainty, but the debate continues over whether aligning with regional trends could benefit the state’s economy, healthcare system, and residents. For more on Idaho’s marijuana penalties, visit the Idaho Legislature’s official site or the DEA’s marijuana policy page.