Cannabis in Iowa

Cannabis in Iowa is illegal for all purposes, with the exception of non-psychoactive CBD oil to treat a limited number of medical conditions. Possession of even small amounts is a misdemeanor crime; however, in contrast with some other states, in Iowa even repeated possession arrests, and for any quantity, provided it is personal and not for distribution, remain misdemeanors and not felonies.[1]

Decriminalization attempts

Failed 1970s decriminalization attempts

In the 1970s, Iowa introduced decriminalization legislation which failed.[2][3]

2014 failed decriminalization

In early 2014, House File 2313 was proposed, which would have reduced the penalty for possession of under 42.5 grams to a fine of $300, and possession of under a kilogram. The bill failed to progress before the expiry of an procedural deadline, so was rejected.[4]

2015 failed deprioritization in Cedar Falls

The city of Cedar Falls proposed to deprioritize municipal police enforcement of cannabis offenses for possession under an ounce. The resolution was voted down in January 2015 by a majority of the city council, with one member stating: "We are a governing body tasked with making laws, not ignoring laws."[5]

Medical cannabis

1979-1981 precedents

From late 1979 to mid-1981, Iowa's administrative rules allowed for medical use of cannabis through a therapeutic research center.[6]

In 1980 research for cancer, Melphalan chemotherapy, and cannabis was conducted at the University of Iowa Hospital. One of the study participants Lynnice Wedewer, Ph.D. is still alive and living in Cedar Rapids, IA. Though her identity has been protected as a federal research study participant, she has battled cancer successfully today 8 times by ingesting concentrated cannabis oil and inhaling cannabis. She is grandfathered into cannabis treatments for life and currently beating her 9th cancer battle, with cannabis as her chemotherapy. All this is documented in her medical records. Lynn is highly allergic to all chemo-therapies. She was in three such studies at the University of Iowa Hospital and cannabis was incorporated into her cancer care plan. (Melphalan, Alkeran, and Leukeran). She has spoken out to legislators in an effort to help others.

2014 legalization of CBD oil

In May 2014, Governor Terry Branstad signed into law the Medical Cannabidiol Act, allowing possession of CBD oil with a neurologist's recommendation for the treatment of intractable epilepsy in children, to go into effect at the end of January 2015. Observers criticized the new law, noting that it contained no provision for legally obtaining CBD oil, as it remains illegal to produce in Iowa or to transport across state lines. A policy advisor for the Iowa Department of Public Health noted: "There are still some very fundamental barriers to parents getting the oil."[7][8]

Polling

An early 2014 poll by Iowa Poll showed that Iowans favored legalizing medical cannabis 59-31, but opposed recreational cannabis 28-69.[9]

Feral cannabis

Feral cannabis, descended from plants once farmed for industrial hemp, grows wild in Iowa and many neighboring states, but is very low in THC content.[10]

References

  1. ↑ "Iowa Laws & Penalties". Norml.org. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
  2. ↑ National Governors' Conference. Center for Policy Research and Analysis; Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co (1977). Research and case studies. National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. p. 203. Two adjacent states, South Dakota and Minnesota, passed marijuana decriminalization bills in 1976. Iowa also introduced such legislation, yet it was defeated. This section will document Iowa's experience.
  3. ↑ Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co (1977). Marijuana: Findings and analysis. The Center. p. 49.
  4. ↑ "Bills die in Des Moines as procedural deadline passes | Daily Iowan Ethics & Politics Initiative". Dailyiowanepi.com. 2014-02-24. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
  5. ↑ "Cedar Falls won’t decriminalize marijuana". Wcfcourier.com. 2015-01-06. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
  6. ↑ Mike Wiser (2014-03-28). "Lawmakers to introduce bills to decriminalize marijuana". TheGazette. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
  7. ↑ Policy, Marijuana (2014-10-17). "Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Law Makes CBD Legal to Possess but Impossible to Obtain". Thedailychronic.net. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
  8. ↑ Rodriguez, Barbara (2015-07-16). "Iowa cannabis oil program: $115K spent on about 50 ID cards". Thecannabist.co. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
  9. ↑ Tony Leys (2014-03-03). "Iowa Poll: 59% back legalizing medical marijuana". Desmoinesregister.com. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
  10. ↑ United States. Congress. House. Select Committee on Crime (1970). Crime in America--views on Marijuana: Hearings ..., 91-1, Pursuant to H. Res. 17 ... Oct. 14, 15, 1969. p. 20.
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