Senate President Ty Masterson (R) said in 2023 that was open to a discussion about a limited medical marijuana program. But in January, he appeared less welcoming to the idea, calling medical legalization a “nonstarter,” suggesting the policy change would lead to a surge in “gang activity” and put kids at risk. (12/14/2023)

He also suggested voters didn’t understand medical marijuana. “I think what people see when they think of medical, they’re thinking of, you know, palliative care and things like that,” he said.
Masterson, who helped kill the House-passed medical marijuana bill in 2021, has also downplayed popular support for broader adult-use cannabis legalization and suggested voters don’t fully understand the policy change. (12/14/2023)