Marijuana Policy Project

DES MOINES, Iowa — Activists called Tuesday for the legalization of medical marijuana in Iowa, but even lawmakers who are sympathetic to such a move said a measure won't be approved this year.

Supporters of a measure legalizing medical marijuana urged a subcommittee of the Senate Human Relations Committee to change the law.

"My days are constant pain," said Lisa Jackson, of Crawfordsville. "I want my life back."

Ed Hertko, a physician from West Des Moines, said lawmakers could craft a measure making it clear that marijuana must be prescribed by a doctor and purchased through a pharmacy to ensure the drug wasn't abused.

"No one will give it to a 16-year-old who wants to get high on Friday night," said Hertko.

Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, headed the panel and said lawmakers were willing to examine the idea. But he cautioned that much more work is needed and that action wasn't likely this year.

Though proposed legislation has been drafted, Bolkcom said it needs changes. He noted there's a deadline of Friday for bills to win committee approval to remain alive for this session.

"It's a work in progress," said Bolkcom. "We do not anticipate this bill is going to win committee approval this week. This bill is going to need more work."

Bolkcom did not schedule a vote on the measure but said he'd continue to craft the effort.

Sen. Merlin Bartz, R-Grafton, said he's supported measures allowing medical use of marijuana in the past but that the current measure was too broad.

"I think there are some positive things that can take place, but this has more of the look of a legalization," said Bartz.

There was plenty of emotion among those urging lawmakers to act.

Jeff Elton, of Des Moines, said he has symptoms from his diabetes that only marijuana can ease.

"I should not have to live in fear of prosecution," Elton said.

Steve Erickson, of Des Moines, said he was open to ideas for legalizing marijuana for medical uses, but he urged lawmakers to craft it carefully.

"I hope it isn't political suicide for you folks," Erickson said. "There's a vast majority of the public that wonders how you're going to regulate it."

Bolkcom said the legislation now drafted was prepared by a national group advocating medical marijuana use. He said it needs to be "tightened up in spots."

He said that wasn't likely to happen this year.

"Realistically it's probably something we'll come back to fresh next year," he said.

Nationally, 13 states have approved medical marijuana laws.