Kansas reduces penalties for marijuana possession

The Kansas Statehouse in Topeka.

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

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 a minimum of 31 months in probation or prison.