An open letter to Iowa Senate President Jack Kibbie

Jack Kibbie
PO Box 190
Emmetsburg, IA, 50536

December 26, 2010

Mr. Kibbie, Democrat

I am writing to ask you to elaborate on some statements regarding the medical use of marijuana.

According to radioiowa.com’s December 23rd article “Key leaders say legislature unlikely to legalize medical marijuana,” you said “Many years ago I think I co-sponsored that…But today I’ve got three daughters who are social workers in this state. They say, ‘No way, dad!’” (www.radioiowa.com/2010/12/23/key-leaders-say-legislature-unlikely-to-legalize-medical-marijuana/)

Does this mean that you were previously supportive of medical marijuana, and now oppose it due to the opinions of your family members?

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy held four medical marijuana hearings around the state in the fall of 2009. On February 17, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy voted unanimously to support a motion recommending “that the legislature reclassify marijuana from Schedule I of the Iowa Controlled Substance Act … to Schedule II … with the further recommendation that the legislature convene a task force or study committee … for the purpose of making recommendations back to the legislature regarding the administration of a medical-marijuana program.”

If you could please inform me as to your views on this situation, I would appreciate it. Specifically, I would like to know if you support the Iowa Board of Pharmacy’s rescheduling bill that will open the door for more research. This bill does not make marijuana accessible in any way shape or form.

I would also like to know where you stand on access for patients with a doctor’s recommendation or prescription. Iowa Patients is working to get a bill introduced to allow patients safe access.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time.

Respectfully,

Jason Karimi

Director, Iowa Patients for Medical Marijuana