Kansas Legislators aren’t ready to declare that marijuana possession never should be a felony. A House Committee rejected proposals Monday to lower penalties for third-time offenders and to release others from prison. The Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee voted 7 to 4 against a bill to make possessing marijuana a misdemeanor, no matter how many times someone was convicted. Current Kansas law says a third conviction is a felony punishable by up to 14 months in prison, though offenders often receive probation. The issue of medical marijuana is expected to come up next. Representative Blain Finch of Ottawa, says it may come down to research:
Kansas is looking more closely due to Missouri and Oklahoma legalizing the medical use of marijuana recently. Governor Kelly says she would sign a bill if passed.
