Kansas Supreme Court Voids Wichita Marijuana Ordinance

By Associated Press

Published January 22, 2016 at 5:25 PM CST

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The highest court in Kansas has struck down a Wichita voter-approved ordinance that reduces penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana. The Kansas Supreme Court issued its ruling Friday. The case has been closely watched by activists in other Kansas communities who are considering similar voter-led initiatives if state lawmakers continue to block reform of marijuana laws. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt argued the ordinance conflicts with state law. Wichita voters approved the ordinance in April, with 54 percent in favor. The city council says it put the measure on the ballot because 3,000 people signed a petition for it. The Supreme Court had earlier put the measure on hold while considering its legality.

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