Marijuana Policy Project

Democratic lawmakers told about 20 Iowans who would like to see restricted marijuana use be legal for pain and nausea relief that the idea will go no further this legislative session.

Several people made passionate appeals for considering the proposal next year. Others advised caution.

This year’s bill called for new not-for-profit facilities called “compassion centers” to acquire, cultivate and deliver marijuana and related supplies to qualifying patients. Those patients would include those diagnosed by a practitioner with cancer, Lou Gehrig's disease and certain chronic illnesses.

Paul Peterson of Storm Lake said he thought his 96-year-old mother was the world’s oldest medical marijuana advocate. Ann Peterson Pyle developed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in 2002, he said. Peterson gave her marijuana tea to sip.

"She said within 20 minutes the fog was gone," he said. "She’s still driving and she’s still cooking and she’s looking for a dance partner."

Terry Mitchell, 55, of Dexter said he has degenerative disc disease in three parts of his spine. He gets disability payments of $650 a month.

"I want to go back to work," he told lawmakers.

On the subcommittee for the bill are Democratic Sens. Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City and Jack Hatch of Des Moines, and Republican Sen. Merlin Bartz of Grafton. Listening in on the meeting were Democratic Sens. Tom Courtney of Burlington and Dennis Black of Grinnell.

Stephen Erickson of Saydel urged lawmakers to look at both sides.

"I definitely feel for those people that need it — and I say need it, not want it — for their medical use. ... But also understand there’s a vast majority of public that question, 'How are you going to regulate this?' "

Erickson said medical marijuana has become “a fiasco” in California.

"I hope it isn’t political suicide for you guys," he told the lawmakers. "This is a touchy subject."

Lisa Jackson wiped tears from her face with a tissue as she said, "My days are, my days are constant pain. I used to work. I used to take care of my family. I used to have a life."

Jackson said her 22-year-old son has seen what the drug can do for her.

"He’s seen me get off my sofa," she said. "I just want my life back."

Jeff Witte of Des Moines said he’s undecided on the bill. "Is there any cost to the taxpayers are we going to have to hire someone to be head of this whole situation?"

"There were a number of questions raised today," Bolkcom said. "I think it’s a bill that needs more work."