Cannabis most detected drug in Idaho forensic testing

Cannabis was the drug most commonly detected in samples submitted to Idaho State Police Forensic Services, followed by amphetamine and methamphetamine, according to the agency’s newly published fiscal year 2026 toxicology report. 

At least one drug was detected in 84% of the adult toxicology reports sampled, and 45% of sampled reports contained multiple drugs, according to the report. The findings come from alcohol and drug testing of blood and urine samples submitted in connection with DUI or other investigations. 

The findings do not reflect all DUI incidents or drug usage across the state of Idaho but rather are only related to samples that were submitted to ISP Forensic Services for testing.  

Officials received 3,381 toxicology cases in fiscal year 2026, down 1.1% from fiscal year 2025. 

Fifty-four juvenile toxicology cases were reported; 74% tested positive for at least one drug. Cannabinoids were the most frequently detected drug category in those cases. 

Among adults whose samples were tested for alcohol or other volatile substances, 82% had alcohol concentrations at or above 0.08%, according to the report. 

Alcohol testing involved 121 juvenile cases and 1,485 adult cases. Of those, 91 juvenile cases and 1,384 adult cases were DUI-related. 

Among juvenile alcohol cases, 74% had concentrations above the report’s 0.02% threshold for people under 21. Among DUI-related juvenile samples, 87% exceeded that threshold. One sample tested positive for fluorinated hydrocarbons found in refrigerants, aerosol propellants and solvents.

Toxicology testing supports investigations and court proceedings and helps identify statewide trends. The report also describes ongoing improvements to investigative techniques and methods.  

Data were pulled from laboratories in Coeur d’Alene, Pocatello, and Meridian.