It turns out April 20th on the calendar is a day of infamy in many ways. In 2010 it marked the day of an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that led to the largest oil spill in history. In 1999 it was the day two stupid and heavily armed students murdered 13 people at Columbine high school -- one of the first notorious school shootings, which have since become almost commonplace. And if you really want to go down a hole, apparently April 20th was also the day Hitler was born.
But let’s face it, April 20th is really a national day to celebrate marijuana. You know, that federally illegal substance which is less addictive and probably less mind-altering than federally legal alcohol or prescription drugs. Because America is repressed like that.
More states continue to authorize regulated, recreational cannabis use. Recent ones include the more liberal state of New York and the more conservative state of Missouri. That latter one means Iowa now has neighbors bordering on two sides (Illinois being the other) that will suck up tax money for recreational sales.
Iowa still remains in the dark ages with only a limited medical marijuana program. Recently, however, I looked more closely at Iowa’s medical marijuana program, and I’m glad to say it isn't quite as draconian as I thought.
Iowa's main retailer of medical cannabis has recently changed its name to Bud & Mary‘s, and has started a subtle yet effective marketing campaign to make sure people are aware of its availability. They even had a booth at last year’s state fair.
Based on direct knowledge I have from someone with an Iowa medical cannabis card, they aren't that difficult to get, thanks to willing physicians who sign off, many of whom are recommended by Bud & Mary's. And while the maximum amount that can be obtained in a 90-day period is limited, one would have to be daily user to be affected by it.
Knowing that Iowa's conservative Republican legislative majority and governor have gone out of their way for years to keep recreational sales illegal, and minimize that availability of medical marijuana, it gives me great pleasure to hear that out more informed Iowa citizens have done what they can to 'stick it to the man' when it comes to access.
Now that's something to celebrate.
