A person convicted of a first-time marijuana possession offense in Kansas will now face a maximum possible sentence of six months in jail, rather than up to a year. (Denver Post file)

Kansas realizes some pot possession penalties a bit much

Published: • Updated:

By The Associated Press

TOPEKA — A measure approved by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback reduces some penalties for marijuana possession.

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The measure approved Friday reduces the penalty for first-time marijuana possession, which can now result in up to a year in jail, to no more than six months. The penalty for a second offense would be reduced from a low-level felony to a sentence of up to a year in jail. Subsequent offences could result in 10 to 42 months in prison, which is the current punishment for a second possession offense.

The measure also increases prison time for burglarizing an occupied dwelling to a minimum of 38 months. Currently, the offense could result in either a minimum of 31 months in prison or probation.