A group of lawmakers is recommending the state expand the list of diseases that would be legally treated with medical cannabis in Iowa.
“Senate Study Bill 1243 expands the conditions eligible for medicines made from cannabis to eight. They include cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, AIDS/HIV, glaucoma, Hepatitis C, Crohn’s Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and post-traumatic stress disorder,” according to a March 3, 2015 statement from State Senator Joe Bolkcom.
On February 19, 2015, Senator Bolkcom introduced a bill that would change marijuana from a schedule I controlled substance to a schedule II controlled substance. That would allow a physician to prescribe it under state law. Bolkcom committed February 27 to introducing legislation to expand the number of conditions eligible for legal treatment with medicines made from cannabis. The Senate study bill proposes those patients would then be allowed to buy those medicines from dispensaries licensed by the state.
Currently, only patients with severe forms of epilepsy can use cannabis oil legally in the state, but they cannot get it in Iowa.
“I’ve looked carefully at this issue and concluded there is no valid reason for me to prevent a family from having the medicines their child, spouse, parent, or grandparent needs,” said Senator Steve Sodders of State Center. “I’ve talked to legislators from both parties who feel the same way. If this issue comes up for a vote in the Iowa House and Senate, I believe we can pass it with solid bipartisan support.”
Sodders released the proposal along with Senator Tom Courtney of Burlington, Representative Bob Kressig of Cedar Falls, Senator Bill Dotzler of Waterloo, and Representative John Forbes of Urbandale.