Pharmacy board proposes medical marijuana bill

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy has voted to propose legislation that would reclassify marijuana and make it easier to legalize the drug for medical purposes.

The Des Moines Register reports that the board voted 6-0 Wednesday to propose a bill defining marijuana as a Schedule II drug.

State law currently lists marijuana as a Schedule I drug which has almost no legal purposes.

Legislators would also have to approve a separate medical-marijuana program if they accept the board's proposal.

Gov.-elect Terry Branstad, is among several state lawmakers who've said they oppose that idea.

Supporters of the bill say marijuana can ease symptoms for patients with cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other ailments. Opponents say the medical-marijuana campaign is a front for people who want to use the drug recreationally.