Medical Marijuana Finds Unlikely Ally in Iowa
DES MOINES, IA — A 79 year old State Senator from Iowa is calling on his colleagues to consider legalizing medical marijuana in his state.
S
en. Gene Fraise, a Fort Madison Democrat, acknowledges that he is an unlikely source for such legislation. Throughout his 26-year senatorial career, Fraise has served on several corrections-related committees. But like many other senior citizens, his views about cannabis may be changing.
Although he is admittedly undecided on the issue, he thinks introducing a bill will force a conversation and help lawmakers reach a consensus.
“I’ve talked to quite a few people who said members of their family were dying of cancer and they can’t get relief unless they have this marijuana,” Fraise told The Associated Press on Monday. “If that’s the case, then maybe we ought to help people.”
Bringing medical marijuana to Iowa is no easy task, where activists have been unsuccessful in previous attempts to reclassify cannabis for medical use, including a 2010 recommendation by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy.
Sen. Joe Bolkcom, an Iowa City Democrat who has pushed for a medical marijuana program for years, said Fraise’s interest is a positive sign but that any legislation on the issue would face hurdles.
“I think it’s just a matter of more people getting a better understanding of the benefits of it,” he said.
Sixteen states, and the District of Columbia, currently allow medical marijuana despite the federal government’s ongoing crusade against cannabis. Reform activists are hopeful that the number of states with medical marijuana programs will double by next year.
