Column - Don't Fear the Reefer

IOWA CITY - Finally, the kid in the red sweat shirt boiled it down.

I was at a public hearing on medical marijuana. I heard four hours of testimony. Passionate, painful testimonials. Evidence sprinkled with medical jargon. A history of the federal war on drugs since the Big Bang. It was overwhelming.

The kid said it didn't have to be. He said if people faced with awful, debilitating pain get relief from using marijuana, then we should find a legal way to get them some.

Yeah, we should.

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy is holding hearings on a request to take marijuana off a list of Schedule I controlled substances that are illegal to use or prescribe. That would be a big step toward allowing its medical use, although the Legislature has the last word.

Don't hold your breath. Neither the board nor lawmakers seem interested.

Inaction will be tough to swallow for many who testified, folks with spinal chord injuries, fibromyalgia, glaucoma and chronic pain caused by accidental injuries. You could hear anguish in their voices. They say cannabis helps them cope with excruciating pain, and yet they must break the law to get relief.

We heard from doctors and other experts who said there is evidence out there that pot can be helpful to some who suffer. Adverse effects of the drug certainly exist but are generally not serious, especially when compared with the side effects of other potent prescription drugs. And we'd probably know a lot more about marijuana if its prohibition wasn't inhibiting research.

“Medical marijuana deserves a rational debate in our medical community. The ones who lose are our patients,” said Dr. Deborah LeBeau, an obstetrician-gynecologist from Dubuque.

Sure, I understand the sincere concerns of people who have committed their lives to fighting drug abuse. They argue that allowing medical marijuana will send a bad signal to kids and make the drug easier for them to get. Just say no. Period.

But I'm not sold on the overused slippery slope. We're talking about allowing physicians to prescribe marijuana, doctors who already are allowed to prescribe drugs that are far more powerful, addictive and dangerous.

Advocates for change are not talking about complete legalization. They just want the state to carve out a small, legal refuge from the crossfire of the war on drugs.

Skittish lawmakers will, of course, be scared of how cannabis compassion might look in a campaign brochure. They'll likely take a stand against dangerous, mind-altering substances, just before heading off to the next reception with free booze.

n Contact the writer: (319) 398-8452 or todd.dorman@gazcomm.com