With moves by neighboring states, will Iowa change its marijuana laws?

While Republican majorities in Iowa’s Legislature are unlikely this session to mimic moves made in surrounding states easing restrictions on the possession and use of cannabis, supporters pushing for reforms in Iowa see growing support.

Brad Knott is president of the Campaign for Sensible Cannabis Laws. He launched the campaign last May to show legislators there is broad support for Iowa to join other states in reforming marijuana laws.

Knott said the effort is not to push a specific plan, “as much as getting a debate in the Legislature about cannabis reform.”

The campaign is not tied to political parties or candidates. However, Knott believes cannabis reform resonates with voters.

A March 2021 Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll found more than half of Iowans surveyed, 54 percent, support legalizing marijuana for recreational uses, and more than three-quarters support expanding the drug’s use for medical purposes.

Voters in neighboring Missouri approved a constitutional amendment in November, making it the 21st state to legalize recreational marijuana. Maryland voters favored a similar amendment during the midterm elections, and Rhode Island’s General Assembly made recreational marijuana legal in May. However, efforts to pass similar legislation failed last fall in Arkansas, South Dakota and North Dakota.

[Read more at The Gazette]