Kansas Supreme Court to Hear Wichita Marijuana Ordinance Case in September

WICHITA, KS — The Kansas Supreme Court says it will decide whether a voter-approved ordinance in Wichita lessening criminal penalties for marijuana possession is legal.

The court ruled Wednesday that it will retain jurisdiction under its authority to hear issues of sufficient public concern. It kept in place a stay of district court proceedings.

It also noted that Wichita has already agreed that enactment of the ordinance should be put on hold until the courts rule.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt contends the ordinance is void because it conflicts with state law.

The ordinance imposes up to a $50 fine for first-time possession of a small amount of marijuana. State law deems it a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Oral arguments will be…