Iowa is the center of a snow story and national political attention – but where are they on weed?
The Hawkeye State is in middle of a major winter storm, while not unusual, this storm is highly significant and shutting down part of the state, except one. It is the Iowa caucus with GOP candidates needing to proven they can finish the race to be nominated as the party’s choice as their candidate. Since 1972, the midwestern state of Iowa has been the first to hold its caucus, which has routinely acted as a litmus test for how candidates will fare later along the campaign trail. So with all this policy and political buzz, what about Iowa and Marijuana.
With a population of roughly 3.2 million they are the 36th state based on voters and people. But, every four years, they have an outsided presence thanks to the primary. Iowa is widely recognized for its agricultural sector, particularly corn, soybean, pork and egg production. As a result, the state is known for its food processing and commodity industries. Nestled in the middle part of the country, they represent rural life. Outside the state capital of Des Moines, Iowa State University in Ames has a well known computer science program attracting students from around the world.
But what about Iowa and marijuana?
The current governor, Kim Reyonlds is not a fan and has been a roadblock. Reynolds has stated “I believe marijuana is a gateway drug that leads to other illegal drug use and has a negative effect on our society.”
Cannabis in Iowa is illegal for recreational use but hemp products including CBD products are legal for consumers to possess and registered retailers to sell. Possession of even small amounts of marijuana is still a crime. The state’s medical marijuana program for patients with qualifying debilitating health conditions allows for the legal sale and possession of no more than 4.5g of THC per patient every 90-day period.
RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life
According to a 2021 Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll, 54% of Iowans support legalizing recreational marijuana. But with firm resistance from the Governor, it will be hard ot have progress. Despite public acceptance, the Governor believe she knows what is better for the population.
In the meantime, Missouri and Illinois will benefit from consumers and taxes.
