Iowa Democrats Introduce Bill To Legalize Pot

On Tuesday, Democratic lawmakers in Iowa introduced a bill that would legalize adult-use marijuana in the state, paving the way for a regulated cannabis market.

“We have listened to the voices of Iowans and heard from every corner of the state, from every party, who strongly believe it is time to legalize marijuana. This common-sense bill to do so isn’t about politics, it’s about people,” said Jennifer Confurst, Democratic leader of the state House of Representatives. Quoted from local news station KCRG“Our bill is this session’s opportunity to put partisanship aside and work together to accomplish something the Iowa majority wants.”

The bill would also expand Iowa’s existing medical cannabis program, according to KCRG.

According to the station, it will also “seek to reduce penalties for marijuana possession and expunge records of non-violent marijuana convictions.”

“It crosses party lines. It’s across where you live in the states: rural, urban and suburban. And it’s time to do this,” Mr Konfrst said. rice field. As quoted by gazette.

There is research data to support Konfrst’s claims.

A 2021 Des Moines Register poll found that 54% of adults in Iowa support legalizing cannabis for recreational use, while 39% are against.

Another poll from the Des Moines Register, published the year before, showed virtually the same numbers.

But the new bill still faces long odds in Iowa’s state legislature, with both Iowa’s Senate and House of Representatives controlled by Republicans, suggesting they’re not in the mood for legalization. .

Republican Rep. Steve Holt said, “I’ve made it clear in the past that I don’t believe legalizing marijuana is the right path for Iowa.” gazette“This was not an issue that had a lot of support from the Judiciary Committee, which I chaired, and I don’t think this session will change. Iowans should be willing to help me and my Republican colleagues.” has expressed a very different set of priorities.”

gazette Iowa’s Republican Governor Kim Reynolds also said he opposes any effort to legalize marijuana in Iowa.

In 2019, Reynolds said, ” [to] It would have amended and expanded the state’s low THC/high CBD access program, “expanding the pool of qualified medical professionals who recommend medical cannabis products, and opening the program to people with severe or chronic pain.” It would also remove the 3% THC cap on medical cannabis products.” According to NORML.

“Ultimately, I believe Iowa must proceed with caution to ensure that the expansion of its medical CBD program is thoughtful and prudent,” Reynolds said in a denial statement at the time. . normal.

A bill introduced by Democrats this week would “allow adults 21 and older in Iowa to purchase recreational weed from licensed stores, including a 10% sales tax and a 1% surcharge.” and “money to schools, mental health, and local public safety departments.” According to local news station KWWL.

“Imagine that kind of revenue for schools, mental health services, and local public safety in Iowa,” said Democrat Rep. Lindsay James, a co-sponsor of the proposal. says so. gazette.

James pointed to the success of Colorado’s recreational cannabis program.

“I will say this: In 2021 alone, Colorado’s marijuana industry generated $423 million in tax revenue,” James said. Quoted by Radio Iowa.

According to Radio Iowa, The proposal would also clear the way for a referendum to “determine whether marijuana businesses may be established in the county.”