If you’re a cannabis enthusiast residing in or visiting Kansas, it’s advisable to reconsider before lighting up a joint or consuming an edible. Kansas has some of the strictest marijuana prohibition laws, and even having small amounts of weed can result in imprisonment. Here are crucial details about marijuana regulations in Kansas.
Is Marijuana Legal in Kansas?
No, marijuana is illegal in Kansas for any purpose. Only products derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC are permitted.
While Kansas law doesn’t specify restrictions on CBD consumption locations, smoking or vaporizing CBD flower is not allowed. Medical marijuana patients are allowed to possess CBD oil with less than 5% THC, provided they have a recommendation letter from their physician.
What are the Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Kansas?
Possession of even small amounts of marijuana is considered a Class B misdemeanor, leading to a potential six-month jail sentence and a $1,000 fine for first-time offenders. A second offense is categorized as a class A misdemeanor.
Possessing more than 450 grams of marijuana can result in a $100,000 fine and jail time ranging from 10 months of probation to 42 months in prison.
Is Marijuana Decriminalized in Kansas?
No, as of now, no county in Kansas has chosen to eliminate penalties for marijuana possession. Even a small amount of weed can lead to legal trouble.
In 2015, the city of Wichita voted to decriminalize cannabis locally, reducing first-time possession to a criminal infraction with a $50 fine, instead of a misdemeanor with fines up to $2,500 and a year of jail time, as dictated by state law.
However, the Kansas Attorney General contested the city’s initiative, arguing that the city lacked the legal authority to reduce cannabis penalties.
What’s the Future of Cannabis Legalization in Kansas?
While 70% of people in Kansas support cannabis legalization, there is currently pending legislation to establish an adult-use marijuana market.
However, this bill is not a top priority for lawmakers. The proposed legislation aims to reduce penalties for cannabis possession and initiate a state study of industrial hemp. Despite public support, until there is a change in the state government’s stance on cannabis, Kansas remains one of the least marijuana-friendly places in the US.
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