Governor of Iowa Vetoes Medical Marijuana Expansion Bill Citing Healthy Safety Concerns

Governor Kim Reynolds vetoed legislation last week that would have expanded the state’s limited medical cannabis program. The expansion would have allowed for increased potency of legal cannabis products. In vetoing the legislation, she cited concerns such as the “health and safety” of Iowans and the importance of getting the legislation right.

She reported to the Des Moines Register,

“Ultimately, I believe Iowa must proceed cautiously to ensure that any expansion of our medical (cannabidiol) program is thoughtful and deliberate — particularly because Iowa’s program is in its infancy and the body of research that analyzes the efficacy of medical CBD is limited.”

The current medical marijuana program is approximately five years old and many find it to be inadequate in allowing them to treat their medical conditions. Under the current program, THC is capped at 3 percent, and it only permits for the use of capsules, extracts, lotions, tinctures, and ointments. It prohibits people from smoking or vaping products.

If the bill were signed, it would have allowed for a high amount of THC for patients who were terminally ill. It would have allowed, among other things, for felons to become patients in the program, required state health officials to collect and review data concerning the program for a better understanding as to the benefits and risks to patients, and it would have also expanded the definition of “health care practitioner” to allow more help for those seeking treatment.

Senator Claire Celsi tweeted about the veto, stating

“I'm very disappointed (actually, quite pissed) that Governor Reynolds ignored the vast majority of people in Iowa who want the medical cannabis law modified to help more sick and suffering Iowans. Her veto today was simply unconscionable.”