Tag: Iowa Legislature
-
Cannabis Movement Ending Era Of Personalities
The cannabis world is structurally changing. It’s moving away from informal, personality-driven, relationship-based influence and toward: 1. compliance-heavy operations 2. institutional capital 3. audited finances 4. federal-facing regulatory posture 5. documentation, transparency, and risk controls That shift favors people and organizations that are: 1. procedurally clean 2. boring in a good way 3. compliance-literate 4.…
-
New Iowa Cannabis Lobbyist Network Incorporates
A new Iowa marijuana lobbying organization has incorporated as of November 22, 2025. Meet the Iowa Cannabis Action Network: Started by this lady: I’ve talked a few times with Gina over the past few years. I’ll let her do her own introductions. But I liked Gina, she’s very likable and approachable, and recall having encouraged…
-
How Kim Reynolds Bullied Iowa City Council Members Out of Decriminalizing Marijuana
Iowa city council members who wished to decriminalize marijuana tell Iowa cannabis activists Kim Reynolds threatened to take away city funds from the state if the city council pursues marijuana decriminalization. As of today Kim Reynolds is the most unpopular governor in the country. Republicans stifling debate on a winning political issue using threats to…
-
Unnamed YET Tennessee Black Student Brandishes Screwdriver At Turning Point USA RIOT (Video)
Who had the screwdriver? Which student? What’s his parents names? I want this students name. Voicemail left with Tennessee presidents office demanding the student name who brandished a screwdriver as well as expulsion of all students in the video. Tennessee congressman has tweeted about defunding this ghetto trash school as well updates soon I used…
-
DEA Brief in Iowaska Healing Church Iowa Lawsuit July 2025
Download the DEA brief at the above link. Case concerns an ayahuasca church demanding religious exemption to use ayahuasca in ceremony as their sacrament. Interesting brief.
-
Senator John Thune: Federal Solution To State Medical Marijuana Laws In Hands Of State, Not Congress
Senator John Thune’s office had me come install a TV mount for them and while there I asked a question. I got a letter in response that wasn’t a form letter at all. Below is the recording I made of my phone call to the state Attorney Generals office. I am also contacting the governor…
-
Iowa Marijuana Bills And Rules Update: 2-19-20
Legislation HF 2431 A bill for an act eliminating controlled, counterfeit, simulated, imitation, and precursor substance-related criminal offenses and including effective date provisions. 02/18/2020 Document was tied to topic(s) – Addictions, Controlled substances, Criminal law, Drug dealer taxes, Drug stamps, Drug trafficking, Drugs, Excise taxes, Marijuana, Narcotics, Substance abuse, Taxation 02/18/2020 Introduced, referred to Public…
-
State Representative Dan Huseman Applauds 96-3 Cannabidiol Vote, Says House Is Following Advisory Board Advice While Advisory Board Pot Doc Dr. Wendy Zadeh Resigns In Protest
This is truly interesting. A seemingly innocent issue of miscommunication seems to have lead an Iowa marijuana doctor to resign from the marijuana advisory board, a sad loss, as Dr. Zadeh is well respected in the medical community in the Des Moines area and beyond. Representative Dan Huseman said the House took advice from the…
-
Here’s The Imperfect Medical Marijuana Bill Passed At The Statehouse Today After Six Years Of Work
Uploading video to YouTube so you can watch the full discourse for yourself and make up your own mind. Thanks for following WeedPress on Facebook. Today’s vote was nearly unanimous. House File 732 had various amendments offered. Representative Jeff Shipley’s amendment was withdrawn. He spoke about being confused as to why marijuana is controversial, that…
-
Developing: Story County Attorney Says CBD Illegal | WeedPress Statement On 10 O’Clock News From Tonight’s Fallout News Found Here
CBD is currently still illegal in Iowa. Now it’s up to the Legislature to free thousands of Iowans from unregulated, contaminated products sold by profiteers as a distraction from whole plant medicine. News Channel 5 has the latest: Jason Karimi is a medical marijuana activist. He is the executive director of Iowa patient’s…
-
Here’s The Newly Updated Marijuana Bills Advancing At Iowa Statehouse To Fix Muddled Marijuana Industry: Senate File 501 And House Study Bill 244
As of March 6th, 2019, our newest incarnation of a bill from our kingly statehouse, Senate File 501, passed full committee yesterday, was previously known as Senate File 256. House Study Bill 244 is not yet up on the Legislative website. You’ll see a link to the bill here shortly.
-
In A First For The Iowa Legislature, Marijuana Bill Advances In JANUARY
That’s incredibly early. I am not aware of any marijuana bill making any advancements at this point in the Legislative calendar, ever. Subcommittee recommends passage of Senate File 77 01/31/2019: SF 77 A bill for an act relating to the regulation of medical cannabidiol, by altering the list of debilitating medical conditions and changing…
-
Internship Opportunity In Iowa For Representative Jeff Shipley At The Iowa State Capitol, Interested Students Encouraged To Apply WITH RESUME
Jeff Shipley, an Iowa State Representative elected by YAL’s Operation Win at the Door program this year, is seeking interns for the coming legislative session in Iowa. Interns may receive college credit for the completion of this internship. Interested applicants should respond with their resume so we can connect you with this exciting opportunity. …
-
What Excuse Will Iowa Legislators Think To Dodge Marijuana Next While Illinois Reps AND Senators Move To Legalize Marijuana “Nearly Right Away” And Hawaii Legislators Are Looking At Legislation Opining That The Final Say Rests With The States And Federal Law Is Not A Valid Reason To Remain Ignorant And Ignore Us?
First seen on Carl Olsen’s blog, it turns out some legislators in Hawaii may believe marijuana laws are not preempted by federal law. Then next door Illinois is going to legalize. 2019 will be an interesting year to find out what excuse Iowa’s legislators hide under next. Check this out: THE OPINION OF SOME LEGISLATORS…
-
Need Help Writing Your Legislator? Follow This Link And Sample Email
Hi __________ My name is (name) and I live in your district. I may or may not be a voter but marijuana is important to me. If you could vote in favor of allowing the medical cannabidiol advisory board to decide this issue on the science I would really appreciate it. Currently both patients and…
-
![Kemin Industries consultant on Lazer 103.3 and Channel 5 News says State of Iowa’s THC limitations increase cost to their program for patients, other issues | [VIDEO] [AUDIO]](https://weedpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iowa-seal.png?w=418)
Kemin Industries consultant on Lazer 103.3 and Channel 5 News says State of Iowa’s THC limitations increase cost to their program for patients, other issues | [VIDEO] [AUDIO]
Video from We Are Iowa’s Jessica Flynn: http://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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 An even more informative interview was done on Lazer 103.3. Click this link to listen. Michael Libbie’s Radio Show ‘Insight on Business The News Hour’ did a good show as well. Click here to listen. These are very important discussions. Here’s some other media that has exploded…
-
Medical Marijuana Bills Advance at Iowa State House — March 18th, 2018
Follow WeedPress on Facebook for updates. You requested to be notified of the following actions or changes to your watched bills and rules: Legislation HF 2432 A bill for an act relating to the collection of fees and the performance of background investigations under the medical cannabidiol Act, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB…
-
Timeline of Events So Far: #FreeBenton
Benton Mackenzie has been found guilty. Sentencing is August 28th. The Governor, the Supreme Court, OR the Legislature can step in and save this man’s life at any time. Here’s an attempt at explaining what has happened thus far: 2005: Iowa Supreme Court denies medical necessity defense in Bonjour v. Iowa, 694 N.W.2d 511 (Iowa…
-
MUST SEE: West Des Moines Mayor, Republican Steve Gaer, on Iowa Public Television: “Don’t deny us something we know has helped other people”
West Des Moines Mayor Steve Gaer (R) and Senator Joe Bolkcom discussed medical cannabis on Iowa Public Television’s Iowa Press. Joining Bolkco and Gaer at the Iowa Press table were moderator Dean Borg; Kay Henderson, news director for Radio Iowa; and James Lynch, political reporter for The Gazette. Click here to watch the full video…
-
Iowa Senate Resolution Calls for Legislative Study on Medical Cannabis — Not To Be Completed Until After November Elections?
From today’s Des Moines Register: “Five Republicans and five Democrats co-signed Senate Resolution 112, which seeks an examination on establishing a medical use of cannabis program in Iowa. “I am optimistic that this study will be approved. I think there is support for it in both the House and the Senate,” said Sen. Joe Bolkcom,…
-
Steve Gaer, Republican Mayor of West Des Moines, Featured on ABC 5 Last Night in Fight to Legalize Medical Cannabis
Steve Gaer was featured last night on Channel 5 News. It was the top story of the evening — 81% of Iowans supporting medical cannabis, as well as the medical experts in the state, still doesn’t seem enough to convince the Legislature. Click here to watch the story, “Iowans Polled.” If Legislators don’t fix this,…
-
Christian Talk Show Hosts Discuss Medical Cannabis in Iowa on “View From a Pew,” 99.3 FM Boone, Iowa
View From a Pew is talking about medical cannabis again! Video is below. Follow WeedPress on Facebook for more. See also: Iowa Christian Talk Show Host Prays For Medical Cannabis — Urges Iowa Legislature, Christian Leaders to “Do your research.” God made cannabis for a reason, and science shows the recently discovered endocannabinoid system to…
-
![[VIDEO] Heated Discussion on Floor of Iowa Senate Last Tuesday: A Glimmer of Hope for Medical Cannabis?](https://weedpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/partisan-poiltics.jpg?w=308)
[VIDEO] Heated Discussion on Floor of Iowa Senate Last Tuesday: A Glimmer of Hope for Medical Cannabis?
Last Tuesday, multiple Senators from both sides of the aisle got into a quibble on the floor of the Iowa Senate. Click here to view the video in the Iowa Senate archives. Discussion begins at 27:35 of the video. Republicans accused Senator Bolkcom of being disingenuous with his leadership on this issue, while Senator Bolkcom…
-
“No Republican lawmaker was willing to sign onto legislation,” says Joe Bolkcom
Joe Bolkcom said during Tuesday’s news conference at the Capitol: “Unfortunately this morning, we are unable to reach a bipartisan agreement. Even if the legislation is limited to just helping the families who have children with epilepsy. A couple of those families are with us this morning. The simple truth is that no Republican lawmaker…
-
“My sister suffers extreme spasticity from MS, but medical marijuana is the only thing that has helped her.”
Here’s a testimonial from Winnebago County: “Cannabis has proven medical benefits. It is impossible to overdose on, it is not a central nervous system depressor and can therefore be used in conjunction with many other drugs, it is safer to use than tylenol from a potential for death perspective, and it is far less addictive…
-
Iowa Christian Talk Show Host Prays For Medical Cannabis — Urges Iowa Legislature, Christian Leaders to “Do your research”
Last Thursday, a local Christian talk radio show based out of Ames, Iowa, prayed for legalization of medical cannabis. “View From a Pew” host Reike Plecas called Christian leaders last Thursday to join him in demanding the Iowa Legislature research the benefits of medical cannabis. “View From a Pew” host Reike Plekas interviewed two mothers…
-
Scott County, Iowa: “Medical marijuana could dramatically help subdue those seizures”
Here’s a testimonial from Scott County, Iowa: “I have learned that some properties or compounds that come from the marijuana plant could be very helpful towards helping persons with severe seizures due to medical issues that people are born with. I am sure that there are many types of illnesses to mention here but I…
-
Anonymous Iowan: “I don’t think it’s right for us to have to leave home just to receive proper medical care.”
Here’s a testimonial from another Iowa mother: Over 1,000 Iowans have signed this petition to support medical cannabis. If you haven’t signed yet, click this picture for link to petition. “The fact that cannabis oil has been proven to shrink and slow tumor growth is completely ignored by the government. Every day I have to…
-
Iowan with MS to Iowa Legislature: “It is your job to assist, not obstruct, MS patients and their decision to improve the quality of their lives”
For information on how to submit a medical cannabis resolution at tonight’s Iowa caucus, please see Iowa Caucuses Tonight at 7 pm: How To Submit Medical Cannabis Resolution. Here’s a testimonial from an Iowan with multiple sclerosis: “With MS, the body’s energy is used up by the immune system. For 24 hours a day, the…
-
Iowan with Muscular Dystrophy: “If medical cannabis were legal I would have a better quality of life.”
Here’s a testimonial from an Iowan from Clinton County: “I feel that something with almost none to no side effects that is non-addictive will be way better for me. I just want my life back! I suffer from Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a form of Muscular Dystrophy. I’m currently on two kinds of pain medications. At this time…
-
Iowa Medical Professional: “I see many of my patients on a long list of medications with very negative side effects. In comparison to those, cannabis is benign.”
Here’s a testimonial from a medical professional here in Iowa: Over 1,000 Iowans have signed this petition to support medical cannabis. If you haven’t signed yet, click this picture for link to petition. “I am a medical professional who has worked both in the inpatient setting and currently in the home care setting. I also…
-
![[UPDATED 1-17] Two New Medical Cannabis Bills To Be Introduced in Iowa Legislature This Year](https://weedpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/lawsuit.jpg?w=1024)
[UPDATED 1-17] Two New Medical Cannabis Bills To Be Introduced in Iowa Legislature This Year
Stay tuned to this blog post for updates. Sources tell me a bill has been pre-filed this week that would remove cannabis from Schedule I. This bill would not create access to cannabis in any way, shape, or form (emphasis added). A separate bill modeled after New Mexico’s program is in it’s draft phase. As…
-
Guide to Iowa Caucuses: Becoming a Delegate, and Introducing Medical Cannabis Resolutions
A coordinated effort is underway throughout Iowa to send medical cannabis supporters to the Iowa Caucuses. Here’s everything you need to know for this upcoming Tuesday. Dates to know: Precinct Caucuses: January 21 (next Tuesday) County Conventions: March 8 District Conventions: April 26 Republicans, look up your caucus location here: http://www.iowagop.org/2014-caucus-page/ Democrats, look up your…
-
Legislative Session Underway: Top Cannabis Stories Around the State
I haven’t posted in over a week now as I’ve been spending most of my time on the phone or computer talking with people. This activism thing is a full time job these days, with no pay, little to no thanks, and a lot of headaches. I love this job. Here’s some of my favorite…
-
Army Veteran with PTSD Steps Forward: “The people of Iowa are speaking up”
Follow WeedPress on Facebook. If you’d like your story heard by legislators this next session, email me at jkarimi2007@hotmail.com, or write to me on the Iowa Patients for Medical Marijuana Facebook page. You can remain anonymous if you’d like. I’ll publish your story here on WeedPress and make sure politicians see it next year. Here’s…
-
Iowa family member: “If medical cannabis were on option for either of these people so dear to me, it could very well increase the quality of both of their lives”
Here’s another testimonial from an Iowan who wishes to remain anonymous. Follow WeedPress on Facebook. If you’d like your story heard by legislators this next session, email me at jkarimi2007@hotmail.com, or write to me on the Iowa Patients for Medical Marijuana Facebook page. You can remain anonymous if you’d like. I’ll publish your story here…
-
Iowa Mother wants cannabis for 12 year old son’s Asperbergers, seizures
Here’s another testimonial from an Iowan who wishes to remain anonymous. Follow WeedPress on Facebook. If you’d like your story heard by legislators this next session, email me at jkarimi2007@hotmail.com, or write to me on the Iowa Patients for Medical Marijuana Facebook page. You can remain anonymous if you’d like. I’ll publish your story here…
-
43 Year Old Iowan with Crohns, Fibromyalgia: “There is little doctors can do for my pain”
Here’s another testimonial from an Iowan who wishes to remain anonymous. Follow WeedPress on Facebook. If you’d like your story heard by legislators this next session, email me at jkarimi2007@hotmail.com, or write to me on the Iowa Patients for Medical Marijuana Facebook page. You can remain anonymous if you’d like. I’ll publish your story here…
-
Anonymous Iowan: “It was the first time in years that I was completely free from pain.”
I’m an Iowan, and I use cannabis as a medicine. I’ve led a fairly normal, small town Iowa middle class life. My parents were Republican small business owners that went to church every Sunday. I was raised to be a responsible, ethical, hardworking Christian young man. I was a straight A student all throughout my…
-
West Des Moines Mayor’s Wife on Iowa Public Radio: “None of these children will ever drive a car or fly an airplane. They just need help for their seizures.”
Meet Steve and Sally Gaer. The Gaer family. Photo source: http://www.gaerformayor.com Steve Gaer is the Mayor of West Des Moines. Steve and Sally attended last night’s medical cannabis discussion at the downtown Des Moines Public Library (see Channel 5 News coverage of the event here.) Last Monday, Sally Gaer called into Iowa Public Radio’s River…
-
Iowa Public Radio: ODCP Director Steve Lukan Incorrectly Cites Out of Date Federal Program, Encourages Iowans To Apply
Apparently Governor Branstad isn’t the only one who can’t get his facts straight on medical cannabis. Listeners of this past Monday’s River to River program on Iowa Public Radio heard a very heated discussion. Steve Lukan, Director of the Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy, admitted that medical cannabis is needed for the people of…
-
Iowa Couple’s Anonymous Testimony to WeedPress About Diabetes, Chronic Pain: “There have been days we thought about killing ourselves because of the pain being so high”
This comment comes from the comments on Iowan With Chronic Back Pain: “Cannabis has felt like a second chance at life. I just don’t want to feel like a criminal.” Write to me at jkarimi2007@hotmail.com, or comment on the WeedPress Facebook page if you’d like to share your story without exposing yourself. “I was 29…
-
Anonymous Iowan With Rheumatoid Arthritis: “2 to 3 hits can make the difference between a restless night of RLS and a decent nights sleep.”
Sent yesterday: “I am a 51 year old woman with what my doctors describe as severe rheumatoid arthritis. I have tried most of the known drugs on the market. Celebrex, Cymbalta — countless others. They all have long term side effects to the heart and other organs. Not to mention side effects like mood changes,…
-
Des Moines Register article on Health Vs. Culture War: Denying Epileptic Children Cannabis is “Immoral”
Rekha Basu has an article out in the Des Moines Register today about marijuana and epilepsy. From — When Marijuana is About Health, Not a Culture War: “Maria La France, a Des Moines mother and small-business owner who doesn’t use drugs, wishes she could legally get her hands on marijuana for her 12-year-old son —…
-
PRESS ADVISORY: A Sensible Conversation about Medical Cannabis in Iowa — Monday, December 2 at Des Moines Public Library
NOVEMBER 22 , 2013 PRESS ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE USE A Sensible Conversation about Medical Cannabis in Iowa – Monday December 2, 6:00-7:30 pm at the Des Moines Public Library, downtown, 1000 Grand Avenue. The meeting will feature a presentation by the former Medical Director of the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program. Dr. Jenison will make…
-
Another Iowa Family Looks To Move To Colorado To Get Cannabis Treatment For Two Year Olds Epileptic Seizures
Meet Braedy Grittman. Braedy, at two years old, is the third young Iowan with epilepsy featured on WeedPress since I put out a call on the Iowa Patients for Medical Marijuana Facebook page asking for people to come forward and share their stories. Doctors said he would only live to be 6 months old —…
-
Iowan With Muscular Dystrophy: “If Medical Cannabis Were Legal I Would Have a Better Quality of Life”
See Also: [VIDEO] Paralyzed From Neck Down, Fairfield Woman Asks Legislators To Legalize Medical Cannabis — HeartLandConnection.com Chronic Pain Patient’s Anonymous Testimony: “I Need Cannabis to Live my Life Without Pain…These People in Office in Iowa are Cruel!” Iowa Crohns Patient To Iowa Legislature: “Cannabis Could Help Me and Thousands Of Iowans Live a Better…
-
Iowa Opthalmologist Dr. John Stamler on Medical Marijuana: “I Think That You Can Trust Physicians to Prescribe Medicines in an Appropriate Way”
Dr. John Stamler, M.D., Ph.D., testified at the 2009 Iowa Board of Pharmacy hearing on medical cannabis in Iowa City, Iowa. Here’s a copy of his speech. Original transcripts of the 2009 hearings are available at Iowans for Medical Marijuana. LLOYD JESSEN: Can you please state your name. JOHN STAMLER: Yeah. My name is John…
-
![[VIDEO] Paralyzed From Neck Down, Fairfield Woman Asks Legislators To Legalize Medical Cannabis — HeartLandConnection.com](https://weedpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/marie-smallow.jpg?w=1024)
[VIDEO] Paralyzed From Neck Down, Fairfield Woman Asks Legislators To Legalize Medical Cannabis — HeartLandConnection.com
Meet Maria Smallow. Maria Smallow: “What can I do? There’s no drug available that would be suitable for me.” Maria, who is paralyzed from the neck down due to degenerative disk disease, was recently interviewed by KTVO News. From Legalizing Marijuana Would Give Fairfield Woman Peace of Mind, Good Night’s Sleep: “Maria Smallow of Fairfield…
-
Lawsuit Against State of Iowa Challenges Constitutionality of Controlled Substances Act
This June, Carl Olsen filed a lawsuit against the State of Iowa for failure to remove cannabis from Schedule I. Read the lawsuit here. After asking for an extra 30 days to reply to the lawsuit’s constitutional allegations against the State of Iowa, the Iowa Attorney General’s Office filed a motion to dismiss the case.…
-
Lawsuit Filed Against State of Iowa Yesterday. Weed All About It!
Yesterday, I had the humbling experience of serving someone for the first time. No, I didn’t serve dinner. I served a lawsuit. The defendant: The State of Iowa. The Board of Pharmacy hearings were initiated with a lawsuit. The Iowa Legislature has stalled long enough at the expense of sick Iowa Patients. Why is the…
-
Carl’s Cannabis Corner, January 23, 2011
http://blip.tv/file/4673441 My guest is Jason Karimi, Author of WeedPress Blog .We will discuss efforts to find a sponsor for medical marijuana legislation in Iowa, as well as Jason’s role in co-founding Iowa Patients for Medical Marijuana and the effort to establish a Board of Directors for the organization. We will also discuss: SSB 1016 –…
WeedPress: The Paper Trail 