Gov. Kim Reynolds visits medical marijuana manufacturing facility in Des Moines

Barbara Rodriguez | The Des Moines Register

Show Caption Hide Caption Gov. Kim Reynolds reflects on 2019 legislative session In an interview with the Des Moines Register, Governor Reynolds reflects on the results of the 2019 legislative session.

Gov. Kim Reynolds on Monday toured a facility in Des Moines that manufactures medical marijuana, which could signal an openness to reviewing Iowa's existing program after vetoing an expansion in the spring.

Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg visited a facility run by MedPharm Iowa, one of two manufacturers in the state. The tour included seeing temperature-controlled rooms where marijuana plants are grown and areas where machines help manufacture several cannabis products.

It is the first time Reynolds has visited a facility that manufactures medical marijuana products, according to her staff.

“Governor Reynolds looks forward to working with lawmakers and the Medical Cannabidiol Board next year to build on Iowa’s current program,” said Pat Garrett, her spokesman, in a statement.

The Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Board is the state body that makes recommendations about the program, including the potency of the available products. The board is made up primarily of physicians.

Whether to expand Iowa's medical marijuana program will be a topic of discussion during the 2020 legislative session.

In May, Reynolds vetoed legislation that would have increased the potency of available products under the state's medical-marijuana program. If it had become law, the measure would have replaced the existing 3% THC limit on products with a new measurement system — 25 grams of THC in a 90-day period per patient or primary caregiver.

THC is the chemical that makes recreational marijuana users high. It's available in the state in products like capsules, gels and ointments. Smoking rolled cannabis cigarettes is prohibited in Iowa, and using marijuana for recreational purposes in the state is also illegal.

The Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Board opposed the potency expansion, recommending instead a smaller amount of 4.5 grams of THC per 90 days. The board cited a lack of comprehensive research on the medicinal benefits of marijuana.

Reynolds has said she supported several provisions in the bill, including expanding the number of health care practitioners who can certify a patient's debilitating medical condition.

"The health and safety of Iowans is too important for us not to get this right," Reynolds said at the time.

Lucas Nelson, general manager for MedPharm Iowa, said Reynolds and Gregg were at the facility for one hour. Nelson has lobbied lawmakers to approve a higher THC dosage, arguing it will help sick patients feel more relief.

“We’re very thankful for Gov. Reynolds' and Lt. Gov. Gregg's time," he said.

Nelson added he looks forward to creating "an improved Iowa program that benefits all patients."

Iowa lawmakers created a limited medical marijuana program in 2014 that allowed certain epilepsy patients to use cannabidiol oil with THC. Lawmakers expanded the program in 2017 to add qualifying medical conditions, more products and an in-state manufacturing and sales system.

Barbara Rodriguez covers health care and politics for the Register. She can be reached by email at bcrodriguez@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8011. Follow her on Twitter @bcrodriguez.

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