Lawrence city leaders considering lowering fines for possession of marijuana

Lawrence city leaders are considering whether to slash the city’s penalties for possessing marijuana.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports that the City Commission will discuss Tuesday whether to lower fines for marijuana possession, which currently amount to hundreds of dollars.  Commissioners last month voiced support for a proposal to reduce the fine to $1 for first and second convictions of possessing 32 grams or less of marijuana.

Mayor Lisa Larsen says people of color are disproportionately arrested for marijuana possession.

A 2013 report by the American Civil Liberties Union found that black residents in Kansas are over four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people, despite using marijuana at similar rates.

Larsen says the city needs to make a change to provide more equity in the criminal justice system.