Idaho is currently one of 11 states that doesn’t offer hemp legally for its citizens. After the Farm Bill by the USDA passed at the end of 2018, many states also legalized hemp. This was in order to keep up with the federal laws. Despite the legalization, Idaho has remained firm on it’s stance of hemp. It will remain illegal within the state. Lawmakers have even gone as far as proposing an amendment to the state’s constitution to ban all psychedelic drugs, including medical and adult-use cannabis.
But back in February, the state’s Farm Bureau introduced a bill to the House Agriculture Committee to potentially legalize hemp in Idaho. It’s quietly passed through House and Senate committees. The final step came from the full Senate chamber, which voted the approval 30-5. The bill now sits on the desk of Governor Brad Little (R) for approval.
House Bill 126
Idaho’s hemp legalization bill, dubbed HB 126, would allow for the production, processing, transportation, and research of hemp in the state. As the law stands now, even trucks transporting CBD, Delta 8, or any other hemp product can be pulled over and arrested for drug trafficking because of Idaho laws. This goes against the Farm Bill as transportation is legalized in every state whether or not the state has legalized hemp. But with recent changes to laws, Idaho has gone against the federal Farm Bill and created its own rules.
But with the help of the Farm Bureau, the entire House Agriculture Committee sponsored HB 126. It establishes a few things including:
- Hemp growers need a license compliant with Federal Law
- The Idaho Department of Agriculture would need a plan in place and approved by the USDA by September of this year
- Hemp samples are always subject to testing and analysis
- Any violation could face “criminal penalties for marijuana”
On a first violation, there would be a $150 fine. A second violation would see the fine double to $300. Third violations and above over five years would see a fine of $1,000 and the potential for six months of jail time.
The punishments may seem harsh for some. But some are saying they will take it over not being allowed to produce hemp in Idaho. Some farmers have even gone across the state border into Oregon to grow and sell hemp. This leads some activists to say that it may be too late for Idaho to get into the hemp industry with surrounding states legalizing it and establishing an industry over the past few years.
Future
Governor Little has not made any comments or statements about the hemp legalization bill on his desk. It is unclear if he will sign it or veto it. As more news develops, we will update you with the latest.
Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.