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Up To Date

Kansas Senate president says he's open to discussing medical marijuana — but not recreational

By Steve Kraske,
Elizabeth Ruiz, Zach Wilson
Published December 14, 2023 at 4:00 AM CST
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Republican Senate President Ty Masterson speaks to someone out of frame.
Blaise Mesa
/
Kansas News Service
Senate President Ty Masterson fought a bill last year that would have legalized medical marijuana because he said it was too close to fully legalizing pot recreationally.

Kansas lawmakers return to Topeka for the 2024 legislative session next month, and cannabis may be on the topic list. While Republican Senate President Ty Masterson is opposed to fully legalizing weed in Kansas, he says he's open to a discussion about medical marijuana.

During the upcoming legislative session in Kansas, medical marijuana is expected to be back for debate. Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican from Andover, fought the bill last year because he said it was too close to fully legalizing marijuana in the Sunflower State.

However, Masterson told KCUR's Up To Date on Wednesday that he is open to a discussion.

"I'm actually open to true medical marijuana or to palliative care. I am open to that. I am not saying no," said Masterson. "I'm just saying we don't have any real studies on dosing and distribution."

In the latest Kansas Speaks poll, 67% of respondents said they'd support legalizing marijuana for recreational use, not just for medicinal reasons.

Tags
Up To Date PodcastKansas SenateKansas LegislatureKansas GovernorpoliticsState GovernmentGovernment
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Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
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Elizabeth Ruiz
When you listen to Up To Date, I want you to understand decisions being made in the city, feel inspired by community members, and empathize with people who've had different experiences. As an Up To Date producer, I connect you to the news through conversations with community members and elected officials. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.
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Zach Wilson
As Up To Date’s senior producer, I want to pique the curiosity of Kansas Citians and help them understand the world around them. Each day, I construct conversations with our city’s most innovative visionaries and creatives, while striving to hold elected officials accountable and amplifying the voices of everyday Kansas Citians. Email me at zach@kcur.org.
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