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City Set to Vote on Marijuana Possession Law
Kristen Jarboe | University Daily Kansan | 02/27/2006

Tonight the Lawrence City Commissioners will vote on an ordinance that focuses on making possession of marijuana a city misdemeanor offense. If passed, first-time marijuana possession will be moved from district court to municipal court, meaning a person would receive a ticket and court date rather than being arrested. The violation would also not affect student loans if moved to municipal court.

Because of the Higher Education Act Drug Provision, individuals convicted in state court of drug use typically lose their current federal financial aid, according to a press release from Laura Green, executive director of Drug Policy Forum of Kansas.

“Based on government statistics, 10 percent of students try weed. That’s well over 2,000 people,” Green said. “We want students to stay in school and not lose their student loans.”

Jerry Little, city prosecutor for the municipal court, said that this was the main reason to bring the violation to the municipal court side.

The meeting starts at 6:35 tonight in Lawrence City Hall, 6 E. Sixth St. Two separate versions have been prepared for discussion, according to a memorandum by Scott J. Miller, staff attorney. One version states that there would be a minimum fine of $100 and a mandatory evaluation must occur for possession of marijuana. The other version states that there would be a minimum fine of $300 and evaluation of the offender is not mandatory for possession.

Both versions incorporate marijuana-specific evaluation and treatment programs for possession of marijuana. Although treatment is not always mandatory, the court may order drug abuse evaluation, treatment or education if appropriate.

Currently, of the 50 largest cities in Kansas, 32 of them prosecute first-time possession of marijuana in municipal court. Only three of the 32 cities with marijuana ordinances have enhanced penalties: Overland Park, Garden City and Olathe.

The ordinance was first put on the agenda on Aug. 30. Green did not make her presentation to the Commission until Sept. 6. It was discussed at four other meetings during the fall. Green met with the city staff in January.

“This is really the last chance the ordinance has,” Green said. “The City Commission can’t seem to come to an agreement on this. I feel it’s really important that the city passes this ordinance.”

Commissioner Mike Amyx said that one of the reasons there was such a gap between Nov. 29 and tonight was that they had received public opinion inquiring about an evaluation process of the offenders. He said it took awhile to entail exactly what that would mean and how they were going to judge each person’s evaluation.

In Kansas, first-time marijuana prosecutions are punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and one year in jail. It is a class A misdemeanor offense.

Amyx in the past has supported the $300 minimum fine.

“We would like to make a final decision since it continues to be discussed, and find some middle ground,” he said.

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michaelbation

it's about time we that started this type of reform in kansas.

negaDuck

Lived for a number of years in Olathe, kicked it in OP...nothing surprising there. Truly does suck to live in Holathe, cops are dicks around there for tha most part

This really isn't that surprising, KU is a big campus and life in that town practically revolves around our sacred herb...but I know it's more than 10% of students USING, much less trying. When I attended, it was more like 10% that didnt smoke it.

usweedlawsucks

WHY IN THE FUCK CANT I LIVE THERE WERE I LIVE BOISE IDAHO YOU PRITTY MUCH GET SODIMISD WITH A MELON FOR HOLDING PLAS YOU CANT SMOKE IT ANY WERE BECAUSE MORMANS ARE ALL AROUND TOWN

DoIT4Fun

I live in Minnesota. I was busted for possesion of a small amount, and the law
here is $276 bucks, which isnt that bad. They jerked my drivers license for
30 days because i was token in my car. so another sixty bucks there.

p.s. really want to see them move towards the Denver Policy