Senate legislation to expand the physician-authorized use and dispensing of marijuana-related products for therapeutic purposes was killed by members of the House of Representatives in a 31-63 failed vote.
Under a 2014 law, adolescents with intractable epilepsy, but no other qualifying condition, may possesses limited quantities of cannabidiol-extracted oils. The law provides no legal supply source for these products.
House File 2384 (successor to House Study Bill 607) sponsored by Republican Representative Peter Cownie, sought to expand the pool of patients eligible for cannabis therapy to also include adults with intractable cancer, multiple sclerosis, and/or those with terminal cancer. The proposal would have only permit for the state-licensed cultivation and formulation of cannabidiol-dominant products by no more than two manufacturers. It would have also not allowed for the production or use of herbal cannabis or products containing significant quantities of THC.
A majority of Iowans support patients’ access to medicinal cannabis. According to a 2016 Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll, 78 percent of Iowa adults favor permitting authorized patients access to marijuana therapy.
NORML would like to thank those of you who contacted your House member and urged their support for this measure.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns
