Meeting Public Comments

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

01-23-2025

Ashley Powell

I am writing to address a concern with the terminology used in Iowa's medical THC program, currently referred to as the "Medical Cannabidiol Program." This name is misleading and does not accurately reflect the program's scope or purpose. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a specific cannabinoid, but the program encompasses products derived from the marijuana plant, containing THC, which are designed to support patients with qualifying medical conditions. Referring to it as a "Medical CBD Program" or "Medical Cannabidiol Program" diminishes the full range of cannabinoids, particularly THC, which is central to the program. For clarity and accuracy, I strongly urge the state to rename it the "Medical Marijuana Program." This terminology aligns with how similar programs are named in other states and ensures that both patients and the public understand its purpose. Proper naming is essential for transparency and helps distinguish this program from other initiatives, such as hempbased CBD products, which are regulated differently. Additionally, the current name, "Medical Cannabidiol Program," reflects poorly on the state of Iowa. It suggests a lack of understanding about cannabinoids and the purpose of the program. Using correct terminology is crucial to demonstrate that Iowa is informed, forwardthinking, and capable of appropriately supporting medical cannabis patients. I hope you will consider this adjustment for the benefit of Iowans who rely on this program. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Ashley Powell

01-26-2025

Ashley Powell

It is also crucial that you more clearly define federally legal hemp versus marijuana. The medical program uses marijuana, not hemp. To make that clear please add "above 0.3% THC" to your definition of cannabis included in the program.

01-27-2025

Carl Olsen [Iowans for Medical Marijuana]

Get a federal waiver for this program under 21 U.S.C. 822(d) as the board that oversees this program has been telling you to do for the past five years. And, it's a cannabis program, not a CBD program. Running it as a federal racketeering scheme and giving it a fake name like CBD, which the board has also condemned repetitively, is the lowest form of depravity imaginable, and a disgusting thing to do to Iowans suffering from severe medical conditions.

01-27-2025

Carl Olsen [Iowans for Medical Marijuana]

At the November 18, 2024, Medical Cannabidiol Board meeting, board member DR. BOB SHRECK said: Andrea, thank you for bringing that up. Mr. Olsen is a believer in the law. He thinks we should all be honest. We should all obey laws as they are passed. And he points out that we are all a bunch of criminals because we are violating federal law. And he thinks thats unnecessary. He thinks theres a way to fix it. He thinks that the state can obtain an exemption from the restrictions on cannabis. And, as far as I can tell from reading what hes done, and hes been very persistent about this, I think hes correct. This is the pathway to proceed to do this. And, its been done halfheartedly by some parts of our government, ... at least it hasnt gone forward and been successful. It may have actually been misdirected at some point, if I recall. But I would wholeheartedly support Carls recommendation. And I would propose that the board make that recommendation. Im not sure how we would recruit a legal panel. Im glad you brought that up because I did not mean to overlook that. I would propose, recommend, make a motion that we take Mr. Olsens recommendation to heart and recommend that this board be created.

01-27-2025

Carl Olsen [Iowans for Medical Marijuana]

The previous quote from Dr. Shreck was from 2022, not 2024. Here is a quote from the director of the Medical Cannabidiol Act OWEN PARKER at the November 8, 2024 meeting of the board: So, the first one, again, amending, you know, the name to the Medical Cannabis Act. You know, this has been widely documented why we would like to do this. You know, its really been an education barrier in a lot of ways. Theres still many very important stakeholders that I speak with that arent totally familiar with what the program provides and I think this would help that. The only thing I will say about this, right, other than as it relates to things, you know phrases and words that are codified, like the Medical Cannabidiol Board, or medical cannabidiol registration card, you know weve really taken the liberty to call it what it is. You know, so our website is Medical Cannabis. We always refer to it as medical cannabis. You know, its again, its just been an education barrier in helping people understand what it is. You know, both law enforcement, health care practitioners, you name it, its been important to kind of take on that kind of nomenclature.

01-27-2025

Carl Olsen [Iowans for Medical Marijuana]

I'm attaching the letter I wrote to the members of this subcommittee this morning that has the links to the annual reports from the Medical Cannabidiol Board that it is required to file with the legislature each year. Over and over again, that board has told you to stop using the word "cannabidiol" to describe the entire collection of cannabinoids, over 100 of them. A fake name was given to this program, because the whole thing is a violation of federal drug law. And, that board has told you repeatedly there is a federal waiver in 21 U.S.C. 822(d) that should be used to get federal authorization for this program. You owe it to the Iowans with serious medical conditions to do this for them.

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