Medical cannabis has many benefits

To the editor:

A sensitive issue is looming over the citizens of Iowa that deals with medical cannabis and its health benefits for those who suffer from serious health conditions.

This includes children who suffer from serious conditions, such as epilepsy, and military vets suffering from Post-traumatic stress disorder. The people in charge of changing those laws to allow those who could benefit from this are choosing to ignore the research and the facts.

A recent poll shows that more than 80 percent of Iowans are in favor of cannabis for those who could medically benefit from it. Medical cannabis is legal in 23 states. Iowans shouldn't be forced to move out of state to acquire medicine. What gives Iowan politicians the right to tell the citizens what medicines they can choose to use?

The answer from those elected officials against medical cannabis is always the same, there isn't enough evidence, but when presented with pages of research and testimonials from health care professionals, the politicians still choose to ignore. Cannabis isn't being touted as a cure all and it may not work for everyone, but the reality is clear. It does have medical benefits. You'd think one's own doctor would know what's best for someone's health, not a politician in Des Moines.

Garret Ficken

Independence