An effort emerged in the Iowa Senate this week, seeking to legalize cannabis use for medicinal purposes.

The legislation, Senate Study Bill 1190, was scheduled this week for a hearing in front a 3-member Senate subcommittee. And the bill successfully made its way past the subcommittee and on to the next step; up for debate on the floor.

The bill, if passed, would allow for cannabis to be used for medicinal purposes for a myriad of illnesses: cancer, PTSD, Parkinson's, and more.

It would also lay the groundwork for the adoption of permitting the sale and production of medical cannabis within the state. Patients in the state under the program would need to obtain a registration card and still receive written approval from a willing doctor who wants to prescribe it. With that card, the patient could then access the legal cannabis at an approved dispensary.

Those pushing for the changes in the state, say that they have developed a medical advisory board that is going to assist them and advise them on the best way to run the program. Apparently they plan on looking to the success of other states for inspiration on how to go about doing it and making the appropriate changes.

At The Moment...

Citizens in Iowa are currently allowed to possess cannabis oil for medical treatment of epilepsy. However, it is still illegal to produce or distribute that oil within the state and across state lines. So in effect, these rules make it illegal for citizens in the state to obtain the product.

If the bill gets approved and implemented then the state could start to operate their program by the summer of next year.

It's alleged that Iowans overwhelmingly support the move for legalization in the state for medicinal purposes. Yet the lawmakers in the state have been slow in moving to try and carry-out the will of the people. Those in the nation who remain suffering with chronic diseases are more than ready to see the nonsense come to an end.

The Fight Isn't Over Just Yet...

The new bill might be facing a huge roadblock in the House, where it's reported that there are not enough votes yet in order to see the bill officially passed. The bill, which is officially called The Compassionate Use of Cannabis Act, might get approval from the full Senate as early as Monday next week, but it will then head to the House where it's future is uncertain.

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Sources:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2017/04/11/new-push-medical-marijuana-iowa-senate/100340880/

http://whotv.com/2017/04/12/medical-marijuana-moves-on-from-senate-sub-committee/

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2017/04/12/medical-marijuana-bill-fast-track-iowa-senate/100366654/