“He’s probably the most significant player next to the governor in this discussion,” Todd added.

Gov. Terry Branstad, who previously opposed legalizing medical marijuana, said earlier this week that “it looks like we could end up with something that’s very limited in focus” this session.

“I believe it’s at a tipping point,” Todd said.

It’s not a done deal, however. So Todd and La France will continue to talk about the science of medical marijuana, the side effects of the drugs their children now take and the benefits of cannabidiol.

“We’ll keep telling our story and having hope,” said La France, who grew up in Cedar Rapids.

Baudler will insist on legislation crafted “so narrowly that it is impossible to interpret as marijuana or medical marijuana.”

Paulsen agreed that to win approval there can be no room for recreational use – “Nothing in combustible form.”

It’s the sort of legislation that all parties will have to agree to before it gets to the floor of the House or the Senate, where Paulsen expects it to start.

“It’s not the kind of bill you slog through 50 amendments on the floor,” he said.