The General
New Member
The Iowa Legislature took initial steps Wednesday toward decriminalizing oil derived from marijuana for the treatment of severe epilepsy, signaling a 180-degree turn on the issue since it was first proposed in February. A three-lawmaker subcommittee of the Senate Ways and Means Committee signed off on the bill Wednesday afternoon, clearing it for further debate by the full committee in a meeting to be held Wednesday evening. With committee approval, the bill could be debated by the full Senate yet this week and moved on to the House for further discussion.
The bill, Senate Study Bill 3222, creates a licensing system for patients with "intractable" epilepsy and their caregivers to possess and use cannabidiol, an oil derived from marijuana that has been shown to reduce seizures and improve other symptoms related to the illness. Under the bill, patients or their caregivers who received a recommendation for cannabidiol from a neurologist would be able to apply for a state-issued identification card allowing them to possess and use the oil without fear of prosecution under state marijuana laws.
The law does not allow for the cultivation or sale of the oil, however, meaning patients and caregivers will have to obtain it in states where medical marijuana is legal. That may involve travel to Colorado or even Oregon, Michigan or elsewhere, advocates said Wednesday. Medical marijuana has been a simmering issue throughout the current legislative session, with numerous legislative hearings and made-for-media events featuring Iowans who believe they would benefit from legalized medical marijuana. It's only been within the last few weeks, however, that advocates have begun to believe passing a bill might be possible. Lobbying by mothers of epileptic children and the involvement of West Des Moines Mayor Steve Gaer substantially shifted the debate, leading figures up to and including Gov. Terry Branstad to soften what had been staunch opposition.
Lawmakers from both parties and both chambers have been working behind the scenes for the last two weeks on legislation limited to the cannabidiol oil that could allay the concerns of law enforcement and win wide legislative support. The bill's introduction on Wednesday official action signals confidence from leaders that it can pass the Legislature and go to Branstad for passage into law.
News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Desmoinesregister.com
Author: Jason Noble
Contact: Contact Us | Des Moines Register
Website: Medical marijuana bill advances in Iowa Legislature
The bill, Senate Study Bill 3222, creates a licensing system for patients with "intractable" epilepsy and their caregivers to possess and use cannabidiol, an oil derived from marijuana that has been shown to reduce seizures and improve other symptoms related to the illness. Under the bill, patients or their caregivers who received a recommendation for cannabidiol from a neurologist would be able to apply for a state-issued identification card allowing them to possess and use the oil without fear of prosecution under state marijuana laws.
The law does not allow for the cultivation or sale of the oil, however, meaning patients and caregivers will have to obtain it in states where medical marijuana is legal. That may involve travel to Colorado or even Oregon, Michigan or elsewhere, advocates said Wednesday. Medical marijuana has been a simmering issue throughout the current legislative session, with numerous legislative hearings and made-for-media events featuring Iowans who believe they would benefit from legalized medical marijuana. It's only been within the last few weeks, however, that advocates have begun to believe passing a bill might be possible. Lobbying by mothers of epileptic children and the involvement of West Des Moines Mayor Steve Gaer substantially shifted the debate, leading figures up to and including Gov. Terry Branstad to soften what had been staunch opposition.
Lawmakers from both parties and both chambers have been working behind the scenes for the last two weeks on legislation limited to the cannabidiol oil that could allay the concerns of law enforcement and win wide legislative support. The bill's introduction on Wednesday official action signals confidence from leaders that it can pass the Legislature and go to Branstad for passage into law.
News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Desmoinesregister.com
Author: Jason Noble
Contact: Contact Us | Des Moines Register
Website: Medical marijuana bill advances in Iowa Legislature
