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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The House has given first-round approval to a measure that would decrease penalties for marijuana possession, allow the limited use of medical marijuana and study the use of industrial hemp.
The House advanced the bill on a voice vote Thursday and will make its final vote Friday.
Most first- and second-time marijuana offenders would avoid jail time under the bill. That would decrease the population in the state's overcrowded prisons and save more than $1.7 million over the next two fiscal years, according to state estimates.
Two amendments to the bill also would legalize the sale and production of hemp oil for seizure treatments and initiate a state study into industrial hemp.
Opponents say they're worried that the bill would open the door to wider marijuana legalization.
© Associated Press
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