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Many push for medical marijuana use in Iowa City

IOWA CITY (KWWL) The Iowa Board of Pharmacy is hearing arguments for the legalization  marijuana for medicinal purposes.

The board held its third public hearing Wednesday after a Polk County judge ordered it to consider a petition to reclassify the drug as one that is safe for medical use.

Dozens of proponents argue 13 other states already allow the medical use of marijuana.

For the better part of 28 years, Larry Quigley has managed his way through a significant amount of pain due to a spinal cord injury.  Recent spasms have forced him to seek additional treatment.

"The drugs they gave me, the effect it had on my cognitive processes, I didn't like," said Quigley of Cedar Falls.

Seemingly out of options, Quigley turned to marijuana.

"I was skeptical because I never really promoted marijuana, but it worked."

Many shared similar stories at Wednesday's public hearing in what was a predominantly pro- medical marijuana use crowd.

Director of Iowans for Medical Marijuana Carl Olsen wants the Iowa Board of Pharmacy to reconsider its classification of the illegal drug.

"You have marijuana as having no accepted medical use in the U.S., it now has accepted medical use in 13 states, so you have it misclassified," said Olsen.

The board has responded by holding these public hearings.

In doing so, they are trying to determine if marijuana has accepted medical use based on scientific results.

"13 states have it.  The other side might be 37 don't, that's the kind of thing I want to get away from.  Let's deal with reality and facts and not just short of an emotional appeal," said Peggy Whitworth, Iowa Board of Pharmacy member.

Quigley says he's happy the issue is being considered.

"It's silly to risk jail term for a treatment that's availabl in other states. It doesn't make sense to me."

The final public hearing will be November 4th in Council Bluffs.  The Board of Pharmacy, if it so chooses, can then make a recommendation to the state legislature before it convenes in 2010.

Online Reporter:  Jason Epner