Supporters of medical cannabis change seek study committee

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lawmakers disappointed with the governor’s veto of a medical cannabis bill are calling for legislative leaders to convene an interim committee to study options for revising the state’s program.

Sen. Joe Bolkcom and Rep. John Forbes, both Democrats, on Tuesday released a letter asking Republican leaders who control committee assignments to appoint a study committee to allow input from advocates, medical experts and others.

Bolkcom says the committee could develop language that could be presented to the Legislature in January.

Efforts to get leaders to convene a special session to override Gov. Kim Reynolds’ veto failed.

The bill, which passed 96 to 3 in the House and 40 to 7 in the Senate, would have increased the amount of THC — the psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes a high — allowed in medical cannabis.

Reynolds objected to the level of the increase but indicated willingness to consider changes.

The Legislative Council, a group of leaders that appoints interim committees and drafts legislative rules, meets Thursday.