Iowa: Last chance to speak out at the Board of Pharmacy hearing in Council Bluffs on Wednesday, November 4

On November 4, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy will hold its last of four hearings on medical marijuana. After the hearings conclude, the Board of Pharmacy will make a recommendation to the legislature regarding the scheduling of marijuana and what further steps are necessary.

It is our job, as advocates, patients, and medical professionals, to make sure that the board knows that there is broad-based support across Iowa for allowing seriously ill patients to use marijuana for medicinal purposes.

If you live near Council Bluffs or anywhere in western Iowa, please take the time to attend the hearing and share your thoughts on allowing the medical use of marijuana with the board.  Please e-mail us at NMamber@mpp.org if you plan to testify, and mention if you are a patient or medical professional.

When: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where: Harrah's Casino & Hotel (Ballroom I)
One Harrah's Boulevard
Council Bluffs, Iowa

What: Please offer your public comments urging the Iowa Board of Pharmacy to recognize the medical value of marijuana. Please share any personal stories or experiences that you feel comfortable sharing with the board. Each speaker is allotted 10 minutes, although you can try to request more time if you believe it will be necessary. You may request to speak at a certain time, or send in written comments via e-mail to mailto:Debbie.Jorgenson@ibpe.state.ia.us.

Here are some talking points about the medical value of marijuana in Iowa. You can also check out our research page and our effective arguments for medical marijuana advocates document for further information on the value of medical marijuana to help you prepare.  Also take a look at the Iowa Board of Pharmacy site.

After the hearing, we will be refocusing on passing a legislative solution for Iowa medical marijuana patients. Sen. Joe Bolkcom (D-Iowa City) has introduced S.F. 293, which is the first time that medical marijuana legislation has been introduced since 2005. Please help us change history by urging your senator to support this comprehensive medical marijuana bill and asking your representative to sponsor similar legislation.

If you are a patient, a loved one, a medical professional, or a member of law enforcement or clergy who might be interested in speaking out, please contact us at state@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help in passing this legislation. Please include your nine-digit ZIP code so we can identify your legislators, and please share your connection with medical marijuana.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please pass this message on to other supporters, so that they too can speak out to protect patients who could benefit from medical marijuana.