SR 115 (LSB 6282XS (3) 83)

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 115

BY  COURTNEY

A Resolution requesting the legislative council to act in support of the Iowa board of pharmacy contracting to convene a task force on medical marijuana.

   WHEREAS, the board of pharmacy performed a careful evaluation and held hearings around the state in 2009 prior to developing a recommendation regarding the usage of marijuana for medicinal purposes; and
   WHEREAS, in February 2010 the board of pharmacy unanimously recommended reclassifying the drug to allow its use for pain, nausea, and other symptoms from diseases such as cancer, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and multiple sclerosis; and
   WHEREAS, the board of pharmacy recommended formation of a task force to make recommendations regarding the administration of a medical marijuana program; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the legislative council is requested to act in support of the board of pharmacy contracting to convene a task force on medical marijuana to meet during the 2010 legislative interim; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the task force be charged to study and make recommendations regarding reclassifying marijuana from schedule I of Iowa’s controlled substances law under Code chapter 124 into schedule II of the law, and for implementation and administration of a medical marijuana program; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the voting membership of the task force should include but not be limited to all of the following:
   1. A representative of a seriously ill patient.
   2. A representative of law enforcement.
   3. A representative of the attorney general.
   4. A representative of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) organization or a physician caring for a patient with AIDS.
   5. A representative of substance abuse treatment providers.
   6. A person who is living with a serious illness or a representative of a hospice or palliative care provider.
   7. A representative of the Iowa board of nursing.
   8. A representative of the Iowa board of medicine.
   9. Two representatives of the Iowa board of pharmacy.
   10. A physician who is caring for a patient with cancer.
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That, in addition to the voting membership, four legislative members from both political parties and both houses of the general assembly should be appointed to act as ex officio, nonvoting members of the task force; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the task force be directed to submit a report, including findings and recommendations, to the governor, general assembly, and board of pharmacy on or before December 15, 2010.