Lawrence city leaders express support for lowering fine for marijuana possession to $1

One dollar. That’s how much Lawrence city leaders indicated they think those charged with possessing small amounts of marijuana should be fined.

As part of its work session Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission reviewed a draft ordinance that proposed reducing the minimum fine, currently $200, for those convicted of possessing 32 grams or less of marijuana. A draft of the changes suggested a minimum fine of $50 for first-time offenders only, but commissioners indicated that they were interested in reducing the fine to $1 for both first- and second-time offenders. Court costs of $63 would remain unchanged.
Mayor Lisa Larsen said that though the city can’t change the state law that makes marijuana illegal, she thinks it should do as much as it can to lower the penalties.