Here is something on my personal hero, the mighty and indefatigueable Carl Olsen:
Medical Marijuana and Iowa Law
The law in the state of Iowa is simple; if you're caught using or selling marijuana you will be punished. A Des Moines is challenging that law and trying to add Iowa to the list of states allowing medical marijuana.
Elias Johnson Reporter
June 1, 2009
Carl Olsen has never been shy about his feelings towards marijuana.
"This is something that's a civil rights issue," Olsen said.
When he met a man at the capitol in 1990, his fight to legalize the controlled substance took a big step forward.
"I met a medical user there, George McMahon, who is a plaintiff in this case and he had gotten a license to use marijuana. He was smoking at the capitol and I said "aren't you afraid of getting arrested?" and he said "I have a federal license; I'm legal to smoke marijuana." I thought this guy won, here's the living proof right here in front of me," Olsen said.
Six years later California voters approved the Compassionate Act which allowed the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Since then twelve others states have passed similar laws. This past April a Polk county judge ruled the Iowa board of Pharmacy to review if the drug is mis-classified in Iowa.
"I'm willing to look at the scientific evidence," said pharmacist and IBP board member, "Both pro and con."
Monday the board discussed the issue at a public hearing and echoed similar thoughts.
"I think that was not addressed appropriately throughout the court," said pharmacist and IBP board member Susan Frey.
"The fact that the other states have done this does not mean Iowa has to follow suit," pharmacist and IBP board member Edward Maier.
"If all your friends jumped of a bridge does that mean you should jump off too?" said pharmacist and IBP board member Deeann Wedemeyer-Olesen.
Despite the board's comments, Olsen is unfazed
"It is always helps when you're on the right side of the issue to have them on the wrong side and have them look vigorously mean and bad. The board effectively did that today and I would like to thank them for doing that," said Olsen.
He promises to continue his fight.
Our boy Carl was popped for twenty tons awhile back and did a fed stint. I love this guy!!
