Fall 2015
Vol. 63
Marijuana
Long-gone (sort of) are the days where people believed that the potential dangers of marijuana meant people losing their
minds and going on criminal rampages through the streets. Marijuana continues to be the most widely used illicit (in most
states) drug in the United States of America with nearly 50% of adults reporting that they have tried marijuana at some
point in their lives. In fact, of all the illicit substances over the years, cannabis is the drug that has seen the most consistent
increase in use over time. This is, in part, related to shifting attitudes towards marijuana. A survey conducted by the Pew
Research Center found that almost 70% of individuals view alcohol as more harmful to someone than marijuana. And, for
the first time in history a majority of people in the U.S. support its legalization. The data indicates that almost 65% of
Millennials (1981-1998), and over 50% of Baby Boomers (1948-1984) are in support the idea of legalization and taxation.
In this newsletter, we hope to avoid a debate about legalization, but instead present information about marijuana and how
it impacts the user. Additionally, we want K-State students/faculty/staff to be informed about the marijuana laws
regarding possession in the state of Kansas.
Funding in part provided by the City of Manhattan
What is Marijuana?

It is a dry, shredded green and brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds and leaves derived from the hemp plant
cannabis sativa.
The main active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. This is believed to
be responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette (joint) or in a pipe/bong, and it can be smoked in a blunt (a cigar with
the tobacco removed and replaced with cannabis). Marijuana can also be mixed in food or brewed as tea. Edible
marijuana products have grown in popularity, primarily in states where its recreational use is permitted. In a more
concentrated form, it is known as hashish and as a sticky black liquid, hash oil.


Short-term effects


Enhanced sensations
At low to moderate doses:
one is likely to experience
feelings of increased wellbeing & relaxation (or
panic/anxiety/paranoia);
exhilaration & laughter


Increased hunger
Impaired speech, thinking,
short term memory,
judgment, & attention,
distorted perception of time
& distance, etc.

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Talkativeness
At higher doses: delusions
and/or hallucinations,
increased heartrate, and
increased likelihood of
physical dependence

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
Sore throats & bronchitis
Acute effect is reversible
Possible changes in brain
chemistry or organization*1
Impaired coordination,
thinking and problemsolving, disrupts learning and
inhibits memory
Long-term effects



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Upper respiratory problems
Tolerance
Memory & concentration
impaired
Regular use weakens verbal
communication skills,
lowered learning capabilities,
and shortens attention span
Symptoms of Overdose



Fatigue
Lack of coordination
Paranoia




Lung damage & cancer
Increased heart rate
Probably impairs immune
functioning
Smokers can develop many
of the same respiratory
problems that tobacco
smokers seem to have

Symptoms of Withdrawal



Hyperactivity
Insomnia
Decreased appetite
1
* No definitive evidence yet to support this.
Funding in part provided by the City of Manhattan
Myth
Fact
“You cannot become physiologically addicted to it”
“Marijuana doesn’t impact my studying at all”
“Because it is going to be legal everywhere, it isn’t a big
deal.”
Over time, regular use of marijuana can cause changes in
the brain that lead to addiction, a condition in which a
person cannot stop using a drug even though it interferes
with many aspects of his or her life. It is estimated that 9%
of people who use marijuana will become dependent on it.
The number goes up to about 17 percent in those who start
using young (in their teens) and to 25 to 50 percent among
daily users.
Research has shown that marijuana’s negative effects on
attention, memory, and learning can last for days or weeks
after the acute effects of the drug wear off.
Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia currently
have laws legalizing marijuana in some form. Four states
have legalized marijuana for recreational use, including
neighboring Colorado, HOWEVER, it is ILLEGAL in
ALL of those states to transport marijuana purchased in
those states across states lines (e.g. buy some bud in
Colorado and bringing it back here…not legal and you
will face punishment in accordance with Kansas law).
Guide for Marijuana Laws in Kansas**2

Possessing marijuana in Kansas for any reason is against the law. Consequences for violating depend on the court
in which you are charged, whether you have a prior drug offense, and the amount of marijuana you possess.

A first offense possession charge is a class A nonperson misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,500;
one year in the county jail; or both fine and imprisonment.

In Manhattan City Court, a first offense possession of marijuana charge can be diverted. Terms and conditions of
the one year long diversion are likely to be: a cost of $1000 to $1300; random urine analysis drug tests; no contact
with law enforcement; obey all laws and other terms and conditions as added by the prosecuting attorney.

In Riley County District Court, a first offense possession of marijuana diversion lasts for 1 year. There is a
diversion fee of $250 and court costs of $158. The defendant must obey all laws during the period of the diversion
and obtain and drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendations at the defendant’s expense.

A diversion will NOT result in a conviction unless the defendant violates the diversion agreement and the
diversion is revoked.

If a defendant is convicted of a first offense possession charge, either by plea or after trial, the recommended
sentence is likely to be a fine of $250; court costs of $146; 6 months of jail; immediate probation for 9 months.
Probations terms will include: random urine analysis, staying out of trouble, and meeting with a probation officer.

A drug conviction will have an effect on your financial aid. Your eligibility might be suspended if the offense
occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (grants, loans, or work-study). When you complete the
2
** The information contained herein is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. Students who are confronted with legal
problems are encouraged to seek assistance from a licensed attorney. This information is intended to be a broad overview of the
consequences of possessing marijuana in Manhattan and Riley County, Kansas.
Funding in part provided by the City of Manhattan
FAFSA, you will be asked whether you had a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were
receiving federal student aid. If the answer is yes, you will be provided a worksheet to help you determine
whether your conviction affects your eligibility for federal student aid. If your eligibility for federal student aid
has been suspended due to a drug conviction, you can regain eligibility early by successfully completing
an approved drug rehabilitation program or by passing two unannounced drug tests administered by an approved
drug rehabilitation program.

If you are convicted of a drug-related offense after you submit the FAFSA, you might lose eligibility for federal
student aid, and you might be liable for returning any financial aid you received during a period of ineligibility.

A second or subsequent conviction of possession of marijuana is a felony. Whether a defendant is sentenced to up
to 42 months in prison or sentenced to probation depends on the defendant’s criminal past. Naturally, distribution
of marijuana or possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute are much more serious; just how serious
depends on the amount of marijuana in the defendant’s possession. Should the distribution or possession with
intent to distribute take place within 1000 feet of a school, the severity level increases 1 level.

A felony possession of marijuana conviction will prevent you from getting a teaching license and it may prevent
you from being eligible to take the Kansas Bar Exam. Even a diversion for possession has to be disclosed in
applications to medical and law school.

The violation of the controlled substances act by a non-citizen can be the basis of removal from the United
States. So, what would be a minor criminal violation for a U.S. citizen could have much more serious
consequences for a non-citizen.

In addition to having to hire a private attorney to represent them in the criminal matter (i.e. possession of
marijuana), an international student will also need to hire an immigration attorney to assist them with their visa
issues (i.e. being removed from the US due to the crime).

A drug conviction may prevent international travel. It appears that a drug conviction will prevent you from going
to Canada.
A drug conviction could make the defendant ineligible for federally subsidized housing.

Sources:
Sarah Barr, Student’s Attorney (a special thanks)
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-schizophrenia-marijuana-20140624-story.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140707152420.htm
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/11/05/6-facts-about-marijuana/
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends
Funding in part provided by the City of Manhattan