Iowa: Free medical marijuana documentary screening April 25 in Des Moines

On Saturday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m., a free screening of the award-winning medical marijuana documentary "Waiting to Inhale" will be held at Olin Hall on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines. The screening will be followed by a discussion with patients, a doctor, and advocates involved in this year's efforts to make Iowa the 14th state to protect medical marijuana patients from arrest.

This screening takes place on the heels of the introduction of S.F. 293 by Senator Joe Bolkcom (D-Iowa City).  This is the first time since 2005 that medical marijuana legislation has been introduced in the state, and the first time an effective bill has ever had a subcommittee meeting. Please help us change history by urging your senator to support this comprehensive medical marijuana bill and asking your representative to sponsor similar legislation.

What: "Waiting to Inhale" screening, followed by a discussion with Jimmy Morrison, Iowa grassroots organizer; Jeff Elton, diabetic neuropathic gastroparesis patient; Lisa Jackson, fibromyalgia patient; Jacob Orr, severe chronic pain patient; Dr. Ed Hertko, retired internist; and others.

Where: Olin Hall at Drake University, Room 101, 1344 27th St, Des Moines, Iowa

When: Saturday, April 25 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

"Waiting to Inhale" was produced and directed by Jed Riffe and was partially funded by the Marijuana Policy Project's grants program. The film examines the medical marijuana debate up close by taking you inside the lives of patients, doctors, and activists, while seeking to understand why opponents support the continued criminalization of our sick and dying.

"Waiting to Inhale" has already played to critical acclaim, having won the 2005 CINE Golden Eagle Award, the Gold Special Jury Remi Award at the 38th Annual WorldFest-Houston, and the 2005 Best Documentary Film/Video at the New Jersey International Film Festival.

If you suffer from a serious illness or injury, or if you are a medical professional, please e-mail state@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please pass this alert along to anyone you know who might be interested in attending this event.