Possession of Drugs – Idaho Requires an Illegal Drug Tax Stamp

With all the debate about medical marijuana and with numerous cities legalizing the possession of marijuana, you might be thinking that drug laws are become more relaxed. While California and Montana let you possess marijuana for medicinal purposes, Idaho does not and it does not look like it will any time soon.

I am not suggesting that possession of marijuana is a good idea, but I do believe that the law should be fair and not sneaky. Sneaky; That’s what I think about the Idaho Code 63-4203. This law is known as the Illegal Drug Tax Stamp Act and it requires that you pay taxes on all illegal drugs that you possess. Now, doesn’t that sound like a scam: Come on in for your drug stamp!

This is how the Act works. If you are caught with marijuana, or any illegal drug for that matter and you don’t have your Tax Stamp, you will be penalized. As part of your fine, you will be subject to an excise tax.

The penalties are pretty stiff. For possession of marijuana, you will be taxed $3.50/gram. For each plant in your possession you will be taxed $750, unless you have pulled buds off for sale and then you will be properly credited! For other illegal drugs, sold by weight, you will pay $200/gram tax. And you think that is excessive? If you possess an illegal drug that is not sold by weight, you will be slapped with a $2000/gram tax. Ironic, isn’t it that it isn’t sold by weight but it’s taxed by weight?

So here’s your reminder. If you are going to have medicinal marijuana, don’t forget to get your Drug Stamp!