A recent poll sponsored by Mediacom and Des Moines Register has found that more than three-quarters (78 percent) of Iowans want to see the medical cannabis program expanded in order to ease access to this new program.
Iowan adults voiced their support for suggestions that more qualifying conditions should be included in the law that established the medical cannabis program. The proposed expansion would also include increasing the number of shops from which medical marijuana can be bought.
Iowa’s medical cannabis program was launched last year in December with just five dispensaries and one manufacturer allowed to operate within the state. The dispensaries sell cannabis oils, capsules and creams. So far, only 1,200 Iowa patients have received the nod to use medical cannabis in the state.
The Iowa Poll also showed a record level of support for the legalization of recreational cannabis. The poll conducted early this month found that there was an equal proportion of Iowans who wanted to see an end to prohibition and those who opposed it.
The figures stood at 48 percent in favor of legalization while another 48 percent didn’t want recreational cannabis allowed in the state. Four percent of the participants in the poll were not sure whether prohibition should be ended or not.
The Iowa Poll has been tracking the sentiments of Iowans about cannabis legalization since 2010. This year’s poll shows a huge jump in support from the 39 percent who expressed support for legalization last year to the 48 percent expressing the same sentiment this year.
This poll results have come out at a time when Iowa lawmakers are considering proposals to expand the medical cannabis program.
One of the changes that is being considered by the senate committee is a proposal to allow medical professionals to recommend the use of medical cannabis for any condition that they think can be alleviated or treated using marijuana. This would be a major change from the current position where the medical marijuana law provides a list of the conditions for which a patient can apply for a medical marijuana card.
Another change that is being considered is to allow nurse practitioners to certify patients as well. Under the current law, only physicians can certify patients who wish to join the medical cannabis program.
The sole manufacturer (MedPharm) has also been lobbying to have the legislators lift the three percent THC cap on medical cannabis products. This restriction may be harder to change since legislators are wary of “opening the door” to cannabis addiction and abuse if THC levels are allowed to get higher.
Supreme Cannabis Company Inc. (TSX.V: FIRE) (OTCQX: SPRWF) and The Flowr Corporation (TSX.V: FLWR) (OTC: FLWPF) applaud the legislators in Iowa for being willing to modify the medical cannabis program so soon after its launch.
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