On the Side| Brad Hicks
It was astounding last week when an Iowa Senate subcommittee, led by Republicans, approved a bill that would allow a broader use of medical marijuana.
Republicans have staunchly opposed expanded prescribed uses of marijuana by the medical community, though enough were supportive when a previous Legislature voted to allow it for some cases of epilepsy. Thus, the subcommittee’s approval was very surprising. The bill itself doesn’t allow for sale of the substance in a way in which it can be smoked – its use would be as an extract in some form.
I don’t know if the full Senate took up the bill this week, but time is expiring on the current session. Even if the bill is passed, it’s probably dead on arrival in the Iowa House of Representatives for this year. Those who take the pulse of lawmakers say there isn’t as much enthusiasm for the idea on that side of the Capitol and, it is reported that House Speaker Linda Upmeyer is unlikely to let the matter even come to the floor.
I’m no advocate of using marijuana. I know plenty of people who used it and some who do use it. I am very familiar with families who have had members dominated by it, and thus, their families dominated by it, in negative ways. My experience tells me that many users are impacted by it in ways they don’t recognize – but their loved ones see them. One could easily say the same thing of booze, food, gambling, and the like, all of which are legal in Iowa.
On the other hand, there are plenty of narcotics and controlled substances we have allowed the medical community to use in the treatment of ailments and pain. By accounts, some medical uses of marijuana have been deemed successful. Some argue that medical marijuana extract is the only and/or best way to deal with some health situations.
Truly, I do not understand people’s opposition to allowing its use, as prescribed by a doctor, in a form that is controlled. All substances have impacts – just read or listen to the disclaimers on advertisements for the drugs being marketed to the general public. Some of those side effects are devastating. But the conditions are often devastating, too, and for those who desperately need help, those drugs can help them live a more successful existence.
My surprise about a Republican-controlled Senate subcommittee taking this step goes beyond the fact that it flies in the face of what’s been uttered by state party rank and file for decades. It lands squarely on my belief that Republicans can never seem to see the difference between gold and tin.
This is not legalized possession of personal use pot, such as was done in Colorado and other states. This is a prescription-based use of the extract. The Republicans have in front of them a piece of gold. They have the opportunity to provide aid and comfort to people who cannot find it otherwise. They have a chance to do something for people that no one expects them to do. They have a chance to alter their paradigm as the party that cares more about social issues and fiscal accountability than people. They have a chance to increase their base of support from the middle of the political spectrum. Instead, it’s likely the House of Representatives is going to squarely look at this matter and see tin – if the full Senate actually approves it and sends it over.
The Republicans often wonder why they can’t stay in power for three or four terms in both chambers of the Statehouse. The likely outcome on this matter is a prime example.
Contact Brad Hicks at publisher@redoakexpress.com.