Is Marijuana Legalized in Kansas? Current Legal Implications

Kenneth A. Vick, MA, CRADC, CRPR, HRS, LAC

Executive Director

Kenneth A. Vick is a passionate leader in behavioral health and addiction recovery with over a decade of experience in clinical leadership, program development, and harm reduction. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Avalon Wellness & Recovery, overseeing residential and outpatient services focused on person-centered, evidence-based care.

Kenneth holds a master’s in organizational leadership and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. He is also the Founder of Recovery Consulting LLC, providing training and consultation for behavioral health organizations nationwide.

With certifications including LAC, CRADC, HRS, and Clinical Supervisor, Kenneth is known for advancing recovery systems through innovative care models, staff development, and community partnerships. He has served on several professional boards and is committed to reducing stigma and improving access to recovery support.

Ken is also the co-author of The Essence of Healthy Relationships: A Relationship Guide, written with his wife, Michelle Vick. The guide offers practical insights and strategies to build meaningful, balanced, and lasting relationships, reflecting the couple's dedication to holistic wellness and personal growth beyond recovery.

In addition, Kenneth authored Recovery Leadership: Building Teams for Better Outcomes, a resource designed for professionals in the behavioral health field. Drawing on his experience in community mental health, the book addresses the challenges of leadership, team development, and organizational culture, emphasizing how lived experience and practical knowledge can complement formal education to improve outcomes for both staff and clients.

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Address

Avalon Wellness & Recovery

801 Iowa St, Lawrence, KS 66049, United States

Kansas is one of 6 states in the US where the use of marijuana for both medical and recreational use remains illegal and criminalized. With nearly 5,000 marijuana possession arrests a year, based on data from 2023, Kansas continues to rank as one of the states with the strictest enforcement, only falling behind stricter states such as Nebraska and Idaho [1].

These arrests, often for small personal amounts, carry misdemeanor penalties of up to 6-12 months in jail and $1,000-$2,500 fines for first offenses.

Understanding Kansas Marijuana 2025 Laws

Marijuana is illegal in Kansas. The state considers marijuana as a Schedule I substance under Section 65-4105 of the 2012 Statute and prohibits the recreational and medical use of the drug.

Medical marijuana, even if it is obtained at a medical dispensary in another state, is classified alongside recreational use as a criminal offense with penalties up to felony charges for possession of over 450 grams or intent to distribute.

Kansas permits patients with debilitating medical conditions to use “cannabidiol treatment preparations” to treat their conditions as long as they have written medical recommendations. A cannabidiol treatment preparation is a CBD-rich oil with a THC concentration of no more than 5% [2].

Punishment and Penalties

The penalties for marijuana in Kansas vary based on the amount possessed or sold [3].

Amount/Offense	Classification	Punishment
Any amount (first offense)	Class A Misdemeanor	Up to 6-12 months in jail, $1,000 to $2,500 fine
Repeated offenses	Misdemeanor/Felony	Up to 12 months in jail, $2,500 fine
450gr+	Felony (intent to distribute)	10 to 42 months in jail, $100,000 fine
Sale/Distribution	Felony	5 to 17 months minimum for small amounts, up to life for large amounts
Cultivation/Growing	Felony	5-17 months in prison, $100,000 fine
Paraphenalia	Misdemeanor, Felony if within a school radius	Up to 1 year in prison, $2,500 fine

Local Cannabis Decriminalization Laws in Kansas Cities

Kansas has not decriminalized cannabis statewide, maintaining complete prohibition with criminal penalties for possession. However, two major cities, Lawrence and Wichita, have local ordinances reducing enforcement for small amounts [4].

Lawrence (2019): First and second offenses for under 32 grams result in a $1 to $200 fine through city council ordinance, not jail or full misdemeanor charges.

Wichita (2022): No penalties are enforced for personal amounts per city policy, though state law can still apply overrulingly.

Community Insights at Avalon Wellness & Recovery

At Avalon Wellness & Recovery, we offer whole-person care using somatic therapies, nervous system regulation, and mindful practices designed to help clients reconnect with their bodies and reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol.

At Avalon Wellness & Recovery, we support informed decision-making, encourage healthier lifestyle choices, and promote long-term recovery and well-being for the people of Kansas.

Sources

[1] NORML Foundation. 2024. State Marijuana Arrest Reports. Kansas Marijuana Arrests.

[2] Kansas Marijuana Laws. 2025. KansasStateCannabis.Org

[3] Gillespie, J. Kansas Marijuana Laws. CriminalDefenseAttorney.Org

[4] Thone, L. et al. 2024. Special Committee on Medical Marijuana. Thone, L.

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