Time runs out for medical marijuana bill

Despite the efforts of Marijuana Policy Project members from around the state, Senator Joe Bolkcom's (D-Iowa City) medical marijuana bill, S.F. 64, was blocked from a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee by co-chairs David Miller (R-Fairfield) and Keith Kreiman (D-Bloomfield). The legislative session ended on May 20, with the committee failing to take action.

The legislature's indifference to seriously ill patients in Iowa is unacceptable. We need you to speak out for patients today.

Please take action today, by writing a letter-to-the-editor of your local paper, expressing your disappointment with the legislature's inaction in the face of overwhelming scientific and popular support for medical marijuana. Our automated system will provide you with talking points and allow you to send your letter to up to five local papers of your choice. Feel free to draw from the talking points, but remember that a personally crafted letter is more effective than a form letter. The entire process takes just a few minutes, but it makes a world of difference.

Bolkcom's courageous bill would have protected patients who use medical marijuana from arrest and prison. Sadly, these individuals will have to endure another year under the threat of criminal penalties.

It is time for Iowa to join the 10 sensible, compassionate states that have already enacted medical marijuana legislation. Polls consistently show massive public support for this issue. Clearly, supporting medical marijuana is not only an act of compassion, it is also a popular political move.

Please take action today.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please pass this message on to your friends and family around the state so that even more voices for reform can be heard.