As Pullman anticipates the construction of three Shopko-sized dispensaries, marijuana remains a blip on the radar for law enforcement in neighboring Idaho.

“The plain and simple fact is marijuana is illegal in Idaho,” said Moscow Police Lt. Dave Lemitz, who emphasized that Washington Initiative 502 has no impact on Idaho laws regarding marijuana use.

Lemitz said he’s not terribly concerned about a rise in local availability. He predicted a brief spike in popularity before the frequency of marijuana-related cases returns to “normal” levels.

Cpl. Art Lindquist said increased availability is a minor concern that will be addressed as legally purchased marijuana trickles into the area. Lemitz said the outcomes of that availability are “yet to be determined.”

Lindquist said while he hasn’t noticed an increase in call frequency for marijuana, the amounts discovered lately have been larger than usual.

“Whereas before we’d see two or three fingers in a sandwich bag, now we’re seeing full mason jars,” he said.

Lemitz said he hasn’t noticed the same increase in volume, noting that the amount in possession varies greatly from one individual to the next.

Both he and Lindquist said Moscow police focus heavily on informing the community about marijuana laws.

“I don’t know that we’re expecting any substantial increase,” said Bill Thompson, the prosecuting attorney for Latah County. “There might be some folks who drive to Washington to get marijuana for their use, but I think that’s happening a little bit already.”

Thompson said he’d be surprised if the change in Washington significantly affects marijuana habits in Idaho.

“If we’re wrong we’ll certainly rise to the occasion and deal with it,” he said.