WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita voters have approved an initiative to reduce the penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana for first-time offenders. Unofficial returns from Tuesday's election showed 54 percent of voters approved the initiative. It will make first-time possession a criminal infraction with a $50 fine. The violations would not have to be disclosed on most job and college scholarship applications. Under state law, first-time possession is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and a year in jail. Attorney General Derek Schmidt has issued an opinion that the initiative is unlawful, primarily because it conflicts with state law. He has said he would sue the city if the measure passed.
