A statewide group seeking to legalize marijuana in Kansas has launched a petition drive in Wichita to remove criminal penalties for possessing an ounce or less of the substance.

Members of the group Kansas for Change told City Council members Tuesday they would be back with at least 4,300 verified signatures on the petitions. It will be up to the council to approve the proposal or place it on a ballot for a public vote.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett says even if the petition drive were to succeed and voters agree, state and federal laws prohibiting possession of marijuana still take precedence.

Esau Freeman with Kansas for Change said similar petition drives are underway in Topeka, Wyandotte County, Emporia, Salina and Lawrence.

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Associated Press information from: The Wichita Eagle