Lawmakers in Iowa are reportedly preparing to debate medical marijuana in the next session.
State Senator Joe Bolckom from Iowa City said in the last decade he has proposed bills on the issue four times.
“I think it’s pretty clear we need to have physician control in place to make sure access only goes to those with chronic debilitating conditions,” Senator Bolckom said in a report by our sister station, WHO-TV.
Bolckom plans to push a bill in 2014 classifying marijuana as a form of medication and another than creates a program allowing medical access to the drug, reported WHO. In his proposals, only patients with doctor-confirmed debilitating illnesses would be eligible.
On Monday, December 2, 2013, Bolckom was expected to speak in Des Moines about the program along with Dr. Steven Jenison who reportedly played a role in creating the medical marijuana bill in New Mexico.
“I think Iowa has the advantage of several states that have done something analogous to what Iowa would do if they want to start a program and the state can benefit from that experience,” Jenison said.
On Thursday, August 1 Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill legalizing medical marijuana in the state.
