Statement by Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City (May 1, 2014)
Iowa has taken a big first step toward safe, legal access to medical cannabis. Credit goes to the families who helped legislators understand the need for change.
I urge Governor Branstad to both sign this first step, and then encourage action to help other Iowans who would live better, longer lives if medical cannabis were legal in Iowa.
These Iowans suffer from diseases like cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, spinal cord injuries, glaucoma, severe chronic pain and PTSD. These Iowans should have the same rights as the residents of 20 other states to medicines that could improve their lives or, at least, make their deaths less painful.
end