The Iowa Senate voted Wednesday to pass a bill that would legalize medical marijuana for ailing Iowans, although the proposal faces strong resistance in the Republican-controlled House.
The vote was approved 26-19 with five lawmakers excused from voting. The 26 votes represented the fewest number of votes required for a bill to be passed under the Iowa Constitution.
"Sick and suffering Iowans are asking for our help," said Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, the bill's floor manager. He said the proposal would create a safe, legal, affordable, effective and highly regulated way for Iowans and their families to access medicines made from cannabis.
