HAS IOWA TURNED TO CRIME?
We’ve been hearing some startling comments on Iowa’s new cannabis oil law lately, 2017 Iowa Acts Chapter 162, HF 524. Iowa’s new law authorizes “production and distribution” in Iowa of products containing “any cannabinoid” found in marijuana plants which contains no more than 3% tetrahydrocannabinol. Iowa Code § 124E.2(6) (2018). The previous version of this law, 2014 Iowa Acts Chapter 1125, SF2360, authorized only the “possession and use” in Iowa of products containing “a cannabinoid” found in marijuana containing no more than 3% tetrahydrocannabinol. Iowa Code § 124D.2(1) (2017).
Here are some quotes from Iowa House Speaker Linda Upmeyer:
She says they are already anticipating doing this bill with the possibility of breaking two federal laws.
KGLO Radio — Mason City, Iowa — March 27, 2017
House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, noted in a statement that no matter what the Legislature had decided, the state still would have been in violation of federal law.
Des Moines Register — Des Moines, Iowa — September 10, 2017
And, here is a quote from State Representative John Forbes:
I mean, we are violating federal law with a cannabis bill here in the state of Iowa.
Iowa Public Television — Johnston, Iowa — December 22, 2017
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
- Are state lawmakers violating any federal law by authorizing the use and possession of cannabis oil in Iowa?
- Are state lawmakers violating any federal law by authorizing the cultivation of marijuana in Iowa for the production of cannabis oil?
- Are state-licensed users of cannabis oil in violation of any federal law for using and possessing cannabis oil in Iowa?
- Are state-licensed cultivators of marijuana in violation of any federal law for growing marijuana in Iowa?
- Are state-licensed distributors of cannabis oil in violation of any federal law for distributing cannabis oil in Iowa?
THE OPINION OF SOME LEGISLATORS IN HAWAII
SB2217: clarifies that medical use of cannabis is not considered to be a state or federal crime
HB2572: clarifies that medical use of cannabis is not considered to be a state or federal crime