Currently there are just two people in Iowa who are authorized to use cannabis for medical reasons; the authorization comes courtesy of a federal program in which the government supplies their marijuana. This be about to change.
Yesterday, Wednesday November 24, 2010, the Iowa board of Pharmacy drew up a bill for consideration by the Legislature in January, 2011. If the bill is passed, marijuana will be reclassified as a Schedule II drug, thereby freeing it for use as a medicine just as with other prescription drugs.
Board Executive Director, Lloyd Jessen, counsels caution however by reminding us that the Board’s action amounts to a recommendation only and “they can react to it or ignore it.” He also explains that changing the classification of cannabis does not immediately free it up for medicinal use; before that can happen, the Legislature will need to set up a compassionate use program, specifying qualifying medical conditions as well as cultivation and supply arrangements.
Let’s see what January brings…
Currently there are just two people in Iowa who are authorized to use cannabis for medical reasons; the authorization comes courtesy of a federal program in which the government supplies their marijuana. This be about to change.