Last year, the State Legislature passed legislation that expanded the Medical Cannabidiol program that would have helped thousands of Iowans who suffer from debilitating diseases. The expansion would have allowed physician’s assistants and registered nurse practitioners to issue the medical cannabidiol registration cards. It would have changed the dosage from a 3 percent cap to 20 grams in 90-day period. In addition, it would have allowed a pharmacist or pharmacy technician to work at a medical cannabidiol dispensary, as well as addressing other necessary issues. Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed last year by the Governor, and we had to go back to the drawing board this year to attempt to expand the program and get those suffering the treatment they deserve.
This year we had asked for similar provisions that had passed in a bi-partisan fashion last year. Unfortunately, we did not get some of those provisions. One of the shortfalls with this year’s legislation is the dosage change from the 3 percent limit to a 4.5 grams per ninety-day period. Unfortunately, this would cause many patients to be required to reduce their dosage levels unless they could convince their medical practitioner to certify their current dosage levels. This would add a barrier to treatment. Secondly, in an approach to protect employers, it doesn’t recognize the medical cannabidiol prescription the same as other prescription medications; an employee could be terminated for violating a drug policy and lose all unemployment benefits. I want to support employers, but not at the expense of possible termination of an employee who was taking a legally prescribed medication as directed.
So, on one hand, the legislation promotes a medical cannabidiol treatment program and allows administering of 4.5 grams of medical cannabidiol product; while at the same time, it puts in the bill that employers can terminate and disqualify an employee from unemployment benefits if drug testing indicates they’ve been using medical cannabis. We can protect employers and employees if we implement the proper policy. It is my hope the conversation continues. I’m hopeful that we can look at the more robust bill in the Senate and continue the conversation.
Our goal is to have a safe and effective medical cannabidiol program to ensure that those suffering from debilitating diseases can access much-needed medication. The bill that passed the House chamber this week does some good things, such as adding severe autism and post-traumatic stress disorder as approved conditions; but it falls short on other areas discussed above. I would like to see us look at the Senate bill that appears to have a more robust expansion program
Scholarships available: We are very fortunate to have Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Jasper County. The Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is a volunteer group that supports the organization and is offering a $1,000 annual renewable scholarship for a graduating student from an area high school. One student will be awarded the scholarship each year. Eligible students are graduating seniors from the following high schools: Bondurant-Farrar, Colfax-Mingo, Newton, PCM, Pella, Pella Christian and Southeast Polk.
Students receiving the award may renew for up to an additional three years at $1,000 for each year. Requirements are based on high school academic records, college academic achievement and the understanding that the student work toward a 2- or 4-year degree in conservation or environmental-related studies. Scholarship requirements and applications are available on the Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge website at tallgrass.org. Deadline for applications is April 24.
COVID-19 The issues concerning the novel corona virus pandemic is resulting in frequent updates to the public including continued mitigation proposals being considered and implemented. For the most up-to-date information about the virus response procedures and available resources please call 2-1-1. You may also visit the Iowa Department of Public Health website for accurate information at idph.iowa.gov/ as well as call the Jasper County Health Department at 641-787-9224.