Medical cannabis expansion introduced

February 23, 2017

The Iowa House on Tuesday introduced a bill that would expand Iowa’s existing medical cannabis law. The bill, HSB 132, passed out of a subcommittee on Wednesday and the Public Safety Committee Thursday. The current law only allows individuals with intractable epilepsy to get a card that will allow them to have the oil. The new proposal expands the definition of debilitating medical condition and at this time does not provide any protections for employers who have drug and alcohol free workplace policies. Federal court cases have sided with the employer due to the federal prohibition on marijuana. ABI is working to make sure companies will not face litigation because of an unclear statute. ABI staff is working to educate legislators about the need for protections for employers. Staff contact: Jessica Harder, jharder@iowaabi.org, or Nicole Crain, ncrain@iowaabi.org.