The city of Wichita says it thinks the initiative voters passed last month to reduce marijuana penalties is legally valid, but agreed with the state’s attorney general that it should be put on hold while it’s tested in court.

Those are the key points in the city’s answer to a lawsuit by Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who has sued the city to try to block the initiative. Schmidt contends the initiative conflicts with state law and that procedures for putting it on the ballot weren’t properly followed.

The city’s answer to Schmidt’s lawsuit was released by the Kansas Supreme Court on Thursday. It disputes paragraph by paragraph most of the key arguments that Schmidt made in his filing.

“Kansas Statutes provide a mechanism for the people to exert their will over the rules that govern their community,” Interim City Attorney Sharon Dickgrafe wrote in a memorandum supporting the city’s response. “If the people follow the … rules set forth and garner enough support in an election, then it is the city’s duty to enact the will of the people.” [Read more at the Wichita Eagle]