Letter to the Editor: Yes to HF2384

To the Editor:

There is a medical cannabis bill that is currently stalled in the Ways and Means Committee in the Iowa House. This bill (HF2384) would resolve some but not all of the issues surrounding the CBD Bill that passed in 2014 which allowed Iowans to posses cannabidoil and use it for the treatment of intractable epilepsy with approval from a neurologist and the Department of Health.

Unfortunately, the bill didn’t allow Iowans a means to legally purchase the oil within Iowa. HF2384 would allow for the growth, manufacture and dispensing of the oil to those who have doctor’s orders. This oil is literally a life saver for the many toddlers, children and adults who are medically complex.

Our grandson, Abram Miller, is one of those toddlers. Cannabis oil has given this youngster the chance that he so deserved to have a healthy and happy childhood. For several years he was prescribed a series of harsh pharmaceutical drugs that literally stripped the life and vitality from what should have been a joyful experience for he and his family. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN was delighted to see the progress Abram has been able to make since being weaned off of the pharmaceuticals and adding minuscule doses of cannabis oil placed under his tongue. This cannabis oil is organic and has the full spectrum of cannabinoids needed and has allowed him to be seizure free since last June.
Certainly, Iowa can follow the 23 other states that have allowed medical cannabis. HF2384 would provide access to those with intractable epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and terminal, late-stage cancer within our own state. Unfortunately, the leadership in the House is allowing it to stall instead of allowing for it to go to vote in the House.

We need to stand up for Iowa’s most medically fragile. Please tell your legislators “yes” on HF2384.

Roger and Dorie Bollman
rural Monona (Volney)