Des Moines, Iowa — The Board that oversees Iowa’s medical marijuana program denied a petition on Monday, February 27th to allow the use of the dried marijuana plant known as “vaporizable flower.”
The petition request was submitted by medical marijuana provider Bud & Mary’s, which was formerly known as MedPharm. Doctor Jacqueline Stoken was one of the board members who reviewed the petition and says they had a couple of concerns.
Stoken says this is a particular concern for people who were still in their teenage years or younger, as their brains are still developing. Doctor Bob Shreck says Bud & Mary’s petition request contained two instances that document the high incidence of smoking when the flower is available, and also the hybrid use of both vaporized and smokeable marijuana.
He says the board’s action wouldn’t change anything.
He says there are efforts in the legislature to make such a change. Schreck says he is also concerned that the change in name from MedPharm to Bud & Mary’s has also led to a change in the company’s marketing.
Stoken and other board members agreed with Shreck. Schreck says there is already a legal inhaleable form of medical marijuana.
He says the cost of products are one argument the company uses.
The Board voted unanimously to deny the petition to allow the use of “vaporizable flower.” It is the second time such a petition has been turned down.
