Iowa Board of Pharmacy Recommends Classifying Marijuana as Schedule II Drug

Source:
the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy e-News, March 03, 2010

Iowa Board of Pharmacy Recommends Classifying Marijuana as Schedule II Drug

Following a unanimous vote at a special meeting held February 17, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy recommended to the Iowa state legislature that marijuana be reclassified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which could allow medical uses of the drug. The Board further advised that a task force of patients, medical professionals, and law enforcement officers should create guidelines for safely implementing a medical marijuana program, as reported by the Des Moines Register. The Board’s decision was informed by a series of public meetings held in 2009, as well as by research and public comments. Bills relating to the creation of a medical marijuana act in Iowa were introduced to the legislature, but were either referred to committee or died during the current session. Thus, while the Iowa legislature will likely not act on the medical marijuana issue this session, the Board’s recommendation could impact the outcome of future bills.