Despite the current trend of states legalizing marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, Idaho is still holding on to its prohibition. In fact, Idaho’s state laws have been described as harsh in comparison to other states. Hefty fines and jail time often await persons that decide to test Idaho’s resolve.
It is common knowledge that marijuana is still illegal federally. However, let’s take a closer look at this state’s laws and how people often find themselves in legal trouble.
3 ways to get in trouble with marijuana in Idaho
Despite the current efforts to legalize marijuana in Idaho, it is still very much illegal in every way. Avoiding the following three illegal acts can help to avoid legal troubles:
- Possession: Even having under three ounces is illegal and can result in misdemeanor charges. If found with more than three ounces, it can bring felony charges. Misdemeanor charges carry up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Felony charges carry up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Sales: If possession is illegal, sales are definitely illegal. Sales of any amount of the drug can carry felony charges, five years of imprisonment and a $15,000 fine.
- Cultivation or trafficking: Just because Idaho neighbors other states where marijuana is legal, it is a grave error to try and come back to Idaho with marijuana. Additionally, cultivation is often charged as trafficking. Some of the charges in this category carry mandatory minimums. For example, having one to five pounds or 25 to 50 plants brings a mandatory sentence of one year of imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.
Someday Idaho’s marijuana laws may change. However, for the time being, things remain unchanged on a state and federal level. The Gem State may be emerald, but it’s not green!
If you are facing trouble over marijuana charges, take immediate steps to protect your legal rights.