For several years, State Representative Jarad Klein (R) has spearheaded bills in the Iowa Legislature legalizing the use of medicinal cannabidiol, and there is currently a bill on the floor to expand current legislation. The bill being considered is Klein’s second proposed this session regarding cannabis oil. He explains, “We had another bill earlier that I tried to get out that was more all-encompassing. It was going to set up a system to allow the legislature to get good scientific input on who should and shouldn’t be included. That one I was not able to get out of committee.”

Undeterred by the initial failures, Klein helped pen House Study Bill 164, which prevents the old legislation from expiring, while expanding what medications are allowed. The bill lifts the sunset on the current law, and ensures anything approved by the Food and Drug Administration will be legal in Iowa. However, under this bill, it would still be illegal to produce and distribute cannabidiol products in the state, but that would be alleviated in part with the FDA approved drugs provision. Cannabis oil is used by people who suffer from seizures, and has become a personal cause for Klein since he met constituents whose health has improved thanks to the drug. To hear more about the current legislative session, listen to the three-part In Touch with Southeast Iowa interview with Klein at KCIIRadio.com.