Legislators disappointed by governor’s veto of bipartisan help for suffering Iowans

Iowa House and Senate
For Immediate Release:  May 24, 2019

Legislative supporters of strengthening Iowa’s weak medical cannabis program are disappointed Governor Reynolds vetoed HF 732 today.

“The Governor’s veto is distressing news for thousands of sick and vulnerable Iowans who deserve greater access to this life-changing medication. I’m deeply disappointed that the Governor vetoed this bi-partisan bill, which passed overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate,” said Representative John Forbes, an Urbandale pharmacist.

For the last five years, sick, vulnerable Iowans from across the state have been a regular presence at the Iowa Statehouse. The focus this session was improving what has been called the nation’s “least helpful medical cannabis law.” House File 732 passed the Iowa House by a vote of 96 to 3 and the Iowa Senate by a vote of 40 to 7.

“Iowa’s medical cannabis program is too bureaucratic, too expensive and makes thousands of sick Iowans needlessly suffer,” said State Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City.  “Iowa’s law covers a very limited number of conditions and imposes arbitrary limits not found in other states.

On February 23, 2019, the Iowa Poll found that 78% of Iowans want the state’s medical cannabis program expanded.

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