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Medical Marijuana Could Come To Iowa

Medical marijuana could be on it's way to Iowa.

Even though there are quite a few steps in order for the law to change, a decision by the Iowa State Pharmaceutical Board is making noise.

This is the first time ever in the country, a state board unanimously recommended the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

For months, members of the Iowa board have researched the drug, held public hearings and questioned the risks.

"I think the risk to public health if very valid. If I were a person with young children I certainly would not want them exposed to someone smoking something," says board member, Susan Frey

But in the end, they voted unanimously in favor of prescribing marijuana for medicinal purposes.

A big mistake, some say.

"As long as people are allowed to grow dope and smoke dope under medical reasons, there's going to be crime and violence associated with it," says Chris Endress.

Endress is the director of the Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group. He says working with other states' police departments he knows how out of control legal marijuana can get.

"There are more marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles than there are Starbucks Coffee Shops," he adds.

Supporters say the drug will help relieve the pain of sick people so they won't try to illegally buy it and 14 other states already allow some form of prescription pot.

They say that's proof it can help some patients.

But others say, if it's so helpful, let the food and drug administration handle it.

"People that need morphine aren't growing poppy fields in their back yards. make it a pill, patch or inhaler and prescribe it like you would any other drug," says Endress.