Indopedia All Things Marijuana
Kansas City marijuana supporters overwhelmingly supported reduced penalties for marijuana possession last week, and the new city law has already taken effect. Voters approved a citizens petition initiative that reduces the maximum fine in city court from $500 to $25 and eliminates possible jail time as a penalty for possessing 35 grams or less of pot, about 1 1/4 ounce.
But pot possession is still illegal, and a guilty plea would involve a drug conviction. This is not like what Colorado and some other states have done to legalize marijuana possession.
This vote took place after enough signatures were turned in for an initiative petition at the end of the year in 2016.
The vote was Tuesday, 4/4/17, and the law took effect on Wednesday (the very next day). It affects any Municipal Court case that was open or active at that time. It limits the maximum fine to $25 for a single count of simple pot possession, but court costs of $48.50 per count still apply.
As reported by The Kansas City Star:
City Councilwoman Alissia Canady, a former Jackson County assistant prosecutor, says people should realize this fine is only for cases that go to Municipal Court. The court…
