Iowa’s legalization campaign is giving people a voice

The Campaign for Sensible Cannabis Laws is a nonpartisan organization that strives to “reform Iowa’s medical and recreational cannabis laws based on fairness, financial prudence and common sense.”

The group recently launched their latest campaign, helmed by Bradley Knott and Pete D’Alessandro. Knott recently wrote an article about her effort to bring Iowa up to date with other states that have legalized cannabis. “Cannabis reform is sweeping the country. From ruby-red South Dakota and Montana to perpetually blue New York and New Jersey, majorities across the political spectrum are voting for reform. In some states, it’s a stronger medical program,” Knott wrote. “In other states, voters have opted for both medical and recreational cannabis. In Iowa, we don’t have a choice. We don’t even have a voice.”

Knott explains how tax revenues from Iowa’s neighboring states have been reinvested into the community in the form of education, health care and other beneficial services. He also points to a 2021 poll that found eight in 10 Iowans supported a stronger medical cannabis program and 71% of state residents under the age of 35 supported legalizing adult use (with 56% of those ages 35 to 54 also in favor were also for adults).

Despite this positive data, many Iowa lawmakers disagree with the idea. When Illinois legalized cannabis, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds made it very clear that she did not support the cause. “I do not endorse recreational marijuana. I don’t I’m not going to be the governor to do that,” she told The Gazette in June 2019. She shared her belief that cannabis is a gateway drug that leads to the use of other drugs.

Knott says state legislators should listen to the people who should be able to vote on the issue. “Iowans are sensible people. They are proud of their condition and have compassion for others in need. And current Iowa cannabis laws make no sense,” he states bluntly. “They don’t make sense if you’re trying to capture lost taxpayer money for Illinois and Colorado. Or you want to build on Iowa’s agricultural excellence and diversify it, or stop the brain drain and keep the young people here. Iowa’s cannabis laws don’t make sense if you want to help or care for someone suffering from chronic pain, autism, cancer, or seizures. You make no sense if you believe in equal treatment or the wise use of funds for public safety and stopping nonviolent offenders from overcrowding prisons.”

However, there are some Iowa lawmakers who support legalization, as evidenced by the recently proposed 2003 Senate Joint Resolution that would have amended the Iowa Constitution to legalize adult use of cannabis. However, it didn’t garner enough attention to pass as law, thanks to the Republican-controlled House and Senate, according to The Gazette. But lawmakers like Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls believe legalization is “long overdue.” “Democrats support legalization and Republicans oppose legalization, [and] Iowans who want legal cannabis must vote for Democrats in this election,” Wahls said.

In December 2021, Iowa State Senators Joe Bolkcom, Janet Petersen and Sarah Trone Garriott joined forces to push a constitutional amendment to legalize adult use. Bolkcom called out opposing lawmakers who do not take into account the will of the people. “It has become a mainstream issue. “The majority of Iowans support this,” Bolkcom said. “Republicans are in the minority on that front. However, we need your help to bring this constitutional amendment to voters so they can make their voices heard.”

The Sane Cannabis Laws Campaign welcomes Iowan’s support for the cause, offering a petition for signature on their website and an opportunity to donate to grassroots legalization efforts.