Lawrence City Commission to consider lowering fines for marijuana possession

Lawrence city leaders will soon consider whether to move forward with changes that would decrease the city’s penalties for possessing marijuana, which currently amount to hundreds of dollars.

Last month, Lawrence city commissioners expressed support for lowering the fine for the possession of small amounts of marijuana to $1 for first and second convictions. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the commission will consider amending the city ordinance that lays out the penalties for marijuana possession.
Mayor Lisa Larsen told the Journal-World that for her, lowering the fines for marijuana possession is about criminal justice. Larsen noted that studies have shown that people of color are arrested for marijuana possession at much higher rates than white people.