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This week, Iowa House Democrats proposed legislation that would make the state’s medical marijuana program more accessible and affordable.

According to a Des Moines Register poll, 54 percent of Iowans support legalizing marijuana for recreational use and over 75 percent support use for medical purposes.

The proposed plan, HF 2363, expands the program by allowing healthcare practitioners to certify patients for any medical condition they deem medically beneficial. The bill would also allow pharmacists to certify patients to receive a medical cannabis registration card after completing a training program through the Pharmacy Board.

In addition to lower registration fees to expand access, manufacturers would be able to produce certain edible products and dispensaries may send medical CBD products to patients following an initial telehealth visit verifying valid registration into the program. Lastly, the daily THC cap would be raised from 4.5g to 17g during a 90-day period.

Currently, MedPharm and Iowa Cannabis Company are the only cannabis manufacturers licensed to operate within the state. In 2018, MedPharm began selling products at five licensed dispensaries, including tinctures, capsules, and creams to legally registered patients. These dispensaries are located in Waterloo, Council Bluffs, Windsor Heights, and Sioux City. Iowa Cannabis began selling their products at their Waterloo facility late 2018. Last fall, Iowa Cannabis opened a new store in Iowa City.

According to the Department of Public Health (DPH), currently 16,591 patients and 2,231 caregivers have been issued registration cards. Almost all states have passed some form of medical marijuana program, and 18 states have adopted both medical and adult recreational programs. Iowa is one of 11 states where the product law specifically requires cannabidiol and low THC.

HF 2363 was assigned to the House Public Safety Committee, where Iowa Republicans have declined to consider the bill.

Author: Todd Prichard

1 COMMENT

  1. THC reduces the size of the hippocampal part of the brain. No one under the influence of THC should be engaged in a potentially hazardous or dangerous operation such as driving a car. There are three cannabinoid’s that are unhealthy for the brain, they should remain illegal. Pyrolytic destruction of cannabis, smoking, is detrimental to the health of your lungs – just like smoking tobacco. These are irrefutable scientific facts. Otherwise do as you please.

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