Late last week, Gov. Kim Reynolds vetoed HF 732, a bill that would have dramatically improved Iowa's medical marijuana program, including by allowing patients to use cannabis with the amounts of THC that works for them. The bill originally passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate. Patients in Iowa are suffering, and Gov. Reynolds has exacerbated their pain. It's inexcusable to withhold medicine that we know helps patients. Contact Gov. Reynolds today and tell her "Shame on you for hurting…

If you live in Iowa, contact Gov. Kim Reynolds today to ask her to sign HF 732. Just before the Iowa Legislature’s session adjourned on Saturday, the Senate passed a bill to expand Iowa’s nascent medical marijuana program. It now heads to Gov. Kim Reynold’s desk. Contact Gov. Reynolds today to ask her to support Iowa’s medical marijuana patients. The bill — HF 732 — would remove the three percent cap of THC in medical marijuana products and instead institute a per-person limit of 25 grams every…

If you're an Iowa resident, ask your lawmakers to expand Iowa's medical marijuana program today. Two bills to expand Iowa's low-THC medical marijuana program are working their way through the Iowa Legislature and have passed some important hurdles. On Wednesday, committees voted in favor of bills (SF 501 and HSB 244) that would make numerous positive changes to Iowa's medical marijuana program. The much-welcomed reforms include: Removing the three percent THC cap on medical marijuana products; Allowing…

On Saturday, December 1, Iowa’s first medical marijuana dispensary opened to the public. MedPharm opened in Windsor and will sell low-THC oil to qualifying patients. Unfortunately, MedPharm may only sell medical marijuana oil, and the oil may not contain more than three percent THC. While this reform is an important victory for some patients, most seriously ill Iowans will be left behind. Many patients find greater amounts of THC are crucial to the relief they need from their medical conditions,…

Urge your lawmakers to support a comprehensive medical marijuana program! On Friday, November 2, the board that oversees Iowa’s medical marijuana program voted unanimously against recommending legislators to remove the current 3% THC limit on products. Additionally, the board voted to recommend that the state add autism to the list of qualifying conditions, but rejected expanding the program to add ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and ganglioglioma. Unfortunately, Iowa’s low-THC approach leaves behind…

The Iowa general election is fast approaching. The deadline to register online is October 27. You can also register and vote on Election Day! Here’s a look at where gubernatorial candidates stand on marijuana reform: Fred Hubbell (D) is supportive of expanding medical marijuana, while Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) said she “would support the process that’s already in place” that allows a board to make certain expansions to the existing low-THC program. You can find more information on Iowa’s current marijuana…

The Iowa Legislature is back in session, and there is renewed hope for common-sense marijuana policy reform. Last week, a Senate subcommittee recommended passage of SF 432, a bill that would reduce the penalties for marijuana possession. The bill would change the penalty for first offense possession of marijuana under five grams from a serious misdemeanor to a simple misdemeanor. The bill, though not perfect, would be a step in the right direction for Iowa. You see, the Iowa Legislative Services…

Last week, the Iowa Legislature approved HF 524, extending and expanding the state's existing cannabidiol program. Now, all the bill needs is a signature from the governor to become law. Although the Senate approved a full medical marijuana bill that allowed as much THC as patients might need, the House has lagged behind. HF 524 includes a 3% cap on THC. We are disappointed at the limits of the final bill, but it is still an important step forward. If passed, patients suffering from illnesses such…

The Iowa Senate Appropriations Committee introduced a bill to establish a comprehensive medical cannabis program in the state. The bill already received unanimous support by a subcommittee at a hearing last week, and may receive a full Senate vote as early as this week. The bill would allow patients suffering from cancer, PTSD, intractable pain, and a host of other aliments access to this life-saving treatment option if their doctors certify them for the program. The bill would not allow patients…

Recent polls conducted in Iowa and New Hampshire in preparation for the presidential primary elections there show that a majority of voters in both parties think states should be able to carry out their own marijuana laws without federal interference. Public Policy Polling reports that 71% of Iowa respondents and 73% of New Hampshire respondents want the federal government to stay out of marijuana policy. This poll also shows that support for state freedom in determining marijuana policy is non-partisan…