Five things to know about KC's new marijuana law [View all]

Kansas City voters overwhelmingly supported reduced penalties for marijuana possession in Tuesday’s election, and the new city law has already taken effect.

The Kansas City Municipal Court is well aware of the voter-approved change, but Municipal Court officials and others say there are important issues for residents to realize in this new legal climate.

Here are five key things to know about the new law:

1. This does NOT legalize marijuana possession. Voters approved a citizens petition initiative that reduces the maximum fine in city court from $500 to $25 and eliminates possible jail time as a penalty for possessing 35 grams or less of pot, about 1 1/4 ounce.

But pot possession is still illegal, and a guilty plea would involve a drug conviction. This is not like what Colorado and some other states have done to legalize marijuana possession.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article143454844.html