The group “Iowans for Medical Cannabis” is urging Iowa voters to press this year’s political candidates to support legalizing marijuana for broad medical use. “And we are asking voters to ask their candidate what they will do to help suffering Iowans who need access to this treatment option in Iowa, produced, tested and dispensed by Iowans, for Iowans.”

Sally Gaer, of West Des Moines., said her daughter, Margaret, has been taking cannabis oil for 19 months as treatment for her seizure disorder. However, Iowa’s law which decriminalized possession of cannabis oil for treatment of chronic epilepsy will expire July 1st. Gaer and other self-described “warriors” for medical cannabis say the law should be expanded, to include those who suffer from other conditions. Katie Krug, of Grimes, has ulcerative colitis.

“I continue to watch people with my disease in other states get healthy with medical cannabis, while I remain on chemotherapy-like drugs,” Krug says. “My current medication can cause a brain infection, leading to death. Medical cannabis has no such side effects.” Iowans for Medical Cannabis held a news conference this (Tuesday) morning at the statehouse. Tom Duncan, a fifth generation farmer in Greene County and kidney cancer survivor, was among the speakers.

“Education has moved some of our elected officials, but we need more voices speaking to them and all the candidates,” Duncan said, “so please speak to these candidates and elected officials and tell them that you support whole plant medical cannabis access.” Iowans for Medical Cannabis plans to post a list on the group’s website showing which incumbent legislators have supported providing access to medical marijuana in Iowa.

(Radio Iowa)