Commissioners in the city of Lawrence have said that they are for the reduction of the city’s penalties for marijuana possession.
According to the Lawrence Journal-World, the issue had been discussed on Tuesday at a work session in response to a request from a Lawrence resident months ago.
Lawrence’s penalties for marijuana possession, which were implemented in 2006, are more severe than the state requires. In the city, first-time offenders pay a minimum $200 fine and also have to pay for and undergo a drug evaluation. The city ordinance and state law set a maximum fine of $1000 and/or imprisonment up to 180 days.
In comparison, state law doesn’t require a minimum fine for first-time offenders or a mandatory drug evaluation.
The commission’s commissioners said they now support reducing the minimum fine and changing the mandatory drug evaluation.
