How Much Money Does Kansas Make from Marijuana Enforcement?

I looked into the numbers on marijuana enforcement in Kansas and wanted to share what I found:

Under Kansas law, individuals in possession of illegal substances are required to purchase tax stamps. In 2021, the Kansas Department of Revenue collected $255,271 through this program. This figure includes all illegal drugs, not just marijuana (the state doesn’t provide a specific substance-by-substance breakdown).

In 2023, there were 4,645 arrests for marijuana possession. For a first-time offense of marijuana possession, the fine can be up to $1,000. A second offense can see fines up to $2,500. These figures don’t include court costs and lab fees, which can add hundreds of dollars to the financial penalty.

Assuming a conservative average fine of several hundred dollars per possession arrest, the total revenue could potentially reach into the low millions of dollars annually. However, this is a rough estimate, as some municipalities like Overland Park have mandatory minimum fines of $750, a mandatory minimum of 48 hours in custody, and one year of probation.

According to a 2021 report from the Kansas Legislative Research Department, the average annual cost to incarcerate an adult inmate in a Kansas correctional facility was $30,100.

TLDR**:** Kansas makes some money from a general drug tax and fines, however the cost to imprison even 9 people ($30,100/person annually) likely more than revenue the state brings in from marijuana enforcement.