By Rod Boshart, Gazette Des Moines Bureau
DES MOINES The Iowa Senate on Thursday approved a narrow opening for Iowa parents whose children suffer from severe epilepsy to be able to access cannabis oil as a treatment option.
After a debate charged with emotion, senators voted 36-12 to pass a bill that legalizes the possession and medical use under certain conditions of cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component of marijuana that backers say possesses a wide range of therapeutic benefits. Ten Republicans joined 26 Democrats in passing the bill.
The oil that we are talking about does not produce a high, said Sen. Charles Schneider, R-West Des Moines. The bill we put together will not open the door for recreational use.
The measure, which now goes to the Iowa House for consideration, would give prosecutorial immunity to people who possess cannabidiol, a non-smokable oil extract of marijuana with a low THC level to treat seizures. It would require patients or their caregivers to obtain a state-issued registration card to possess the drug and to have a neurologists recommendation to obtain the license. The act will sunset July 1, 2017.
Sen. Nancy Boettger, R-Harlan, said she was concerned that young people who read headlines that Iowa was legalizing a marijuana derivative and would get the wrong impression. Others expressed concern over the lack of FDA approval and potential long-term effects of cannabis oil use.
We are sending a message whether we like it or not that marijuana is OK, said Sen. David Johnson, R-Ocheyedan, who voted for the bill. It is a gateway drug and I hope the young people understand that.
Only permanent Iowa residents who are at least 18 years of age, have a written recommendation from a neurologist and a registration card for the medical treatment of intractable epilepsy may possess and use cannabidiol. No other medical conditions are eligible.
Primary caregivers including parents, hospice employees and community-based health care service providers also are authorized to possess and administer the use of cannabidiol on behalf of a patient, including those under 18 years of age.
Were opening a gate here and we need to come to grips with that, said Sen. Rick Bertrand, R-Sioux City. A father of three and no vote, he said he struggled with the issue and wondered if lawmakers next session would asked to expand access to people dealing with cancer or other painful, chronic conditions.
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Senators OK limited access to cannabis oil