Should Iowa Legalize Marijuana for Medical Use?

By Jami Brinton, Reporter

One-eighth-ounce bags of Blue Dream medical marijuana are shown at The Green Door dispensary in San Francisco. Since California became the first state to legalize the drug for medicinal use, the weed that the federal government puts in the same category as heroin and cocaine has become a major economic force. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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By Jami Brinton

Story Created: Jul 21, 2009 at 4:21 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 21, 2009 at 6:01 PM CDT

IOWA CITY - The debate over legalizing marijuana for medical use is intensifying as state pharmacy experts are now inviting Iowans to weigh in on the proposed controversial change in health policy.

State pharmacy experts are hesitant to legalize medical marijuana until they learn more about why it might be necessary.

13 states allow the use of marijuana for medical treatment.

Today, supporters of medicinal marijuana told state officials they want Iowa to join the list.

This morning, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy unanimously denied medical marijuana advocate Carl Olsen's request to find marijuana has accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. However, board members did agree to host four public hearings to learn more about the pros and cons of prescription pot.

"Let everyone come in and weigh in with their opinion,” said board member Peggy Whitworth. “This is a very serious issue with incredible impacts for lots of people.”

Whitworth contends she's not sure if legalizing marijuana is the right decision, but wants to explore how it could help relieve pain.

"Is this the best way?” asked Whitworth. “Maybe it is, maybe it's not.”

George McMahon knows how marijuana can relieve pain and suffering. He's been using it for 20 years to help fight his chronic pain, spasms, and nausea.

"It worked wonderfully for me and I'm alive only because of that,” said McMahon.

McMahon isn't sure the public forums on legalizing marijuana will be very helpful.

"It kind-of strikes me as odd that the experts are going to the people saying "well, we don't know, what do you think?" explained McMahon.

After those four public hearings are held, the pharmacy board will then decide whether to offer a recommendation to the Legislature about whether using marijuana for medical uses should be legalized in Iowa.

State lawmakers would then have to approve a change in state law to legalize marijuana.

The four public forums will be held in Iowa City, Des Moines, Council Bluffs and Mason City starting in August.

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