As a Kansas special committee works to prepare a medical marijuana legalization bill for the 2023 session with another meeting coming up this week, a spokesperson for the top GOP senator said the issue is “not a priority”—prompting pushback from House Democratic leadership.
The spokesperson told the Wichita Eagle that Senate President Ty Masterson (R) recognizes that the reform issue is “maturing,” adding that any federal action “would be more evidence of that.” However, “it is not a priority” for the senator, who wields significant influence over what legislation advances.
“Certainly, Senator Masterson believes any legislation the Senate would consider must have safeguards to ensure it is truly treated as medicine and not as a vehicle for recreational use,” the staffer told The Kansas City Star.
That prompted House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer (D) to issue a statement criticizing the Senate president on Friday.
“Let’s be clear: Legalizing medical marijuana is a priority for countless Kansans, including myself, and Senate President Masterson is wrong,” he said. “He is ignoring widespread, bipartisan cooperation in the House; repeated calls for movement from industries across the state, and public energy.”
“Let’s be clear: Legalizing medical marijuana is a priority for countless Kansans,
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