On three sides, Kansas is surrounded by Colorado, Missouri, and Oklahoma; states that have all chosen to legalize medicinal or adult-use cannabis. Nebraska is Kansas’ only neighbor that has not passed any cannabis legislation, though a medical marijuana bill, LB110, was filed in January.
Even though Kansas passed legislation in 2018 which acknowledged the medicinal benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), it is not currently legal to possess any amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
A medical cannabis bill, HB2163, was introduced into the House of Representatives in February, and one Kansas city is now taking a step toward decriminalization.
Currently, the minimum fine for first-time possession is $200 plus additional paraphernalia fines and court and evaluation fees. But the Lawrence City Commission voted 4-1 on Tuesday to amend the city’s drug policies to reduce the penalty for possessing small amounts of cannabis to $1 for first and second offenses.
While the first two offenses would be recorded as misdemeanors, the third would still be considered a felony, which was troubling to some.
“I’m concerned with having the first offense being $1, followed by the second offense being $1, and then the third offense being a felony,” said Commissioner Stuart Boley. “I think we’re lulling people into a false confidence that they can do this with impunity, but they’re still facing a felony charge on the third time.”
The amendments will require a second reading and vote before the city can officially change the ordinance. The rules would apply to individuals over the age of 18 found in possession of 32 grams of cannabis or less.
Lawrence Mayor, Lisa Larsen stressed that the amendments would not legalize cannabis, but bring about “some reasonable and equitable justice.”
The changes would also do away with court-mandated evaluations, leaving the decision up to the judge.
