As Iowans continue to flock to hemp-derived products, one of the state's medical cannabis manufacturers is fretting over stalled progress in Iowa's medical marijuana program.
Bud and Mary's, one of two state-licensed medical cannabis manufacturers, has called on state officials to take steps to preserve Iowa's medical marijuana program in light of the widespread availability of hemp-derived products that they argue can be used recreationally.
The ease of access to these products, some of which include the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may be enticing a growing number of patients to leave the medical program, said Lucas Nelson, group president of Bud & Mary's. "The purpose of the medical program seems to be at risk," Nelson said.
But this issue may further highlight the divisions between medical cannabis retailers and state officials overseeing the program on the vision for these products in Iowa. In recent years, state officials and policymakers have not taken steps to add products, increase the number of dispensaries or take other steps that would ease restrictions around medical-grade cannabis products. Instead, they say it's important to preserve the integrity of the program by limiting who has access to certain products.
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