STALEMATE OVER MEDICAL MARIJUANA MUST BE BROKEN

We can't imagine right-thinking Iowans wanting to deny pain relief to
victims of cancer and other diseases.

But that's what's happening because of a stalemate over medical marijuana.

The Iowa Pharmacy Board has rejected a request by a marijuana
activist that it write rules allowing marijuana to be used for
medical purposes.

But board member Margaret Whitworth says the group is appointed and
not elected and should not be writing the law. Instead, the board
wants the Legislature to do it.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, D-Des Moines, says legislators
are unlikely to take up the issue next year.

What is going on here? Why is nothing being done to help people who
are suffering and believe marijuana does or will provide them the
greatest relief?

Certainly, there seems to be significant support for medical marijuana.

More than a year ago, an Iowa Pharmacy Board hearing on the subject
was held in Mason City, drawing an outpouring of support. Results
were similar in three other hearings around the state -- many from
those who said the drug could help them and by those who are now
forced to seek its medical benefits illegally.

In February, we were encouraged when the pharmacy board voted
unanimously to recommend the Legislature reclassify marijuana for
legitimate medical purposes. In doing so it said marijuana has
medicinal properties that could help Iowans the way it helping others
in 14 other states and the District of Columbia.

We thought things were on a fast track when legislative leaders said
they would consider the issue.

But then, lawmakers sent the issue back to the pharmacy board, saying
state law gives it authority to set up such a program, thus setting
up the latest stalemate.

Here's an idea: How about lawmakers and pharmacy board officials
getting together to work out a plan acceptable to both sides? But for
now, for some reason, that doesn't look likely.

And because of stubbornness that doesn't seem reasonable or logical,
Iowans who need help will continue to suffer unless they choose to
break the law. That doesn't sound like the caring, compassionate Iowa we know.

We encourage the pharmacy board and lawmakers to break their
stalemate on medical marijuana and and get relief on the way to those
in dire need.