Cannabis in Idaho


Cannabis in Idaho is illegal for all purposes, whether medical or recreational, and possession of even small amounts of it is a misdemeanor crime.
In 2015, a bill to legalize CBD oil was passed by both houses of the Idaho Legislature, but was vetoed by then-governor Butch Otter.

Prohibition

In the early 20th century, amidst a nationwide trend of cannabis prohibition, Idaho outlawed the drug in 1927. In the same period, the mayor of Boise noted his concerns:

Reform

Unsuccessful ballot initiative efforts

Attempts to field ballot initiatives to vote on medical cannabis failed in 2012 and 2014 due to insufficient signatures, and a 2016 attempt was withdrawn before the signatures were counted. In 2018 another attempt was drawn when its organizer had to quit to care for her ailing son.

2013 statement against legalization

In 2013, the Idaho Legislature preemptively approved a statement of their opposition to ever legalizing cannabis.

2015 veto of CBD oil legalization

Senate Bill 1146a, which would have legalized CBD oil for persons with severe epilepsy, passed the Idaho Legislature following "lengthy and emotional" hearings, but was vetoed by Governor Butch Otter in April 2015.
In his veto, Otter stated:
It ignores ongoing scientific testing on alternative treatments... It asks us to trust but not to verify. It asks us to legalize the limited use of cannabidiol oil, contrary to federal law. And it asks us to look past the potential for misuse and abuse with criminal intent.
The Idaho Attorney General, in report 132-133, clarified in 2015 that CBD containing 0% THC is permissible as long as it is derived from one of the five identified parts of the cannabis plant.