Cannabis in Kansas

Cannabis in Kansas refers to the drug cannabis in Kansas, United States, where it is illegal for all purposes, and possession of even small amounts is a misdemeanor crime.

History

1927 prohibition

In the early 20th century, most states west of the Mississippi enacted laws banning cannabis, with Kansas doing so in 1927.^[1]

2013–2015 medical cannabis attempts

Senate bill 9 was pre-filed by David Haley (D) on January 10, 2013. This cannabis compassion and care act will allow the use of medical marijuana for certain debilitating conditions. Patients would be allowed to own 12 plants or 6 ounces of marijuana for therapeutic purposes. ^[2] During the 2015 legislative session, the equivalent bill was passed in the House in mid-2015, but stalled in the Senate, who intend to reopen discussion of the bill in 2016.^[3] The bill would also decrease penalties for cannabis possession, and order a state study of industrial hemp.^[4]

2015 Wichita decriminalization

In April 2015, the city of Wichita voted to decriminalize cannabis municipally, with a vote of 54-45, reducing first time possession to a criminal infraction with a $50 fine, rather than a misdemeanor with fines up to $2500 and a year of jail time, as under state law. The Kansas Attorney General stated that he would sue the city if the measure passed, arguing the city does not have legal authority to reduce cannabis penalties.^[5]

Shona Banda case

In March 2015, Garden City resident Shona Banda, who uses medical cannabis to treat her debilitating Crohn’s disease, was arrested and charged with five felony counts in relation to cannabis. Banda's usage of medical cannabis had been discovered after her 11 year old child spoke publicly of his mother's usage at school; the boy was removed from her home by Child Protective Services and later placed with Banda's ex-husband. Banda faces up to 30 years for her use and possession of cannabis.^[6]

Lawsuit against Colorado

In 2015, 10 sheriffs from Kansas and two other states sued the state of Colorado, alleging that the state's legalization of cannabis was placing an undue burden on law enforcement in neighboring states.^[7][8]

Criminal penalties

The first possession charge of less than 450 grams will result in a misdemeanor with a 1-year incarceration sentence and a $2,500 fine maximum. A subsequent offense for possessing any amount can result in a fine of $100,000 and a sentence of up to 3½ years. Sale or distribution of any amount can result in a $300,000 to $500,000 fine and an incarceration sentence depending on the quantity and severity of the offense.^[9]

References