Tag: Chapter 124E

Reciprocity Defense for Medical Marijuana Results in Two Dismissals

Frequent visitors to the GRL Law Blog are no doubt familiar with our approach to defending medical marijuana charges. The drug defense lawyers recently raised this reciprocity defense in two separate cases.  The first dealt with raw cannabis flower purchased in another state with a valid medical card.  The other concerned edibles. In both cases, the court entered an order granting the defense and dismissing the charge at the state’s cost. We believe these are the first rulings of their kind in the state on the issue of reciprocity. Charged with possession of marijuana for out-of-state medical marijuana?  GRL knows […]

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Is a Pipe Considered Drug Paraphernalia if Used for Medical Marijuana?

Iowa law defines “drug paraphernalia” to include equipment used to inhale a controlled substance.  However, the definition excepts those items used in combination with the lawful use of a controlled substance. How should the law treat smoking accessories used to inhale “medical cannabidiol” or the out-of-state equivalent? We put this question to the test recently in a case in North Iowa.  The State charged our client with possession of drug paraphernalia for a marijuana pipe found in the passenger compartment of his car.  Law enforcement also uncovered cannabis flower, which our client obtained with a valid out-of-state medical card. Medical […]

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GRL Successfully Raises Medical Marijuana Reciprocity Defense to Dismiss Drug Charge

Frequent readers of our blog are certainly familiar with the firm’s reciprocity argument regarding medical marijuana.  Normally, the State concedes this issue and voluntarily dismisses the charge.  However, the Iowa State Patrol trooper involved here objected to a dismissal.  So, we had the opportunity to finally pitch our argument to the district court. Our client held a valid medical card from Missouri.  The cannabis flower seized by the trooper was medical marijuana. The court dismissed the charge and found that Chapter 124E provides reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana. Charged with possession of medical marijuana?  Call the drug crime lawyers at […]

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Study Finds No Association Between CBD Use and Liver Abnormalities

The medical journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research recently published an article examining the relationship between CBD and liver function. Researchers affiliated with UCLA and the University of Buffalo assessed nearly 1500 volunteers who consumed oral CBD products for a minimum of 30 days. The authors identified “no relationship between continuing to take CBD, daily dose of CBD and ALT [an enzyme found mostly in the liver] levels or change in ALT elevation severity.”  Elevated levels of the enzyme can indicate liver disease.

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Should Iowa Dispensaries Offer Smokable Cannabis?

Iowa’s medical cannabidiol program needs a boost. Marijuana extracts containing THC and CBD have been available to qualifying medical patients now for three years. The products are safe to use.  And the risk of diversion is virtually non-existent. While the program is slowly growing, it may not be fast enough to keep the doors open.  Total sales statewide this year through October total $4.9 million.  By comparison, the State of Missouri sold $24.2 million in October alone. What’s the solution? Smokable cannabis. Iowa already allows vape extracts.  We also grant reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana products.  So, it’s not too […]

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Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Program Data Through October 2021

December 1, 2021 marks the three year anniversary since Iowa began distributing medical cannabidiol to certified patients.  Here is some of the data for the program through October 2021: There are 1,549 certifying health practitioners.  7,323 active patient cardholders. 16,591 cumulative patient cards issued. All of this above data is trending upward, which is great for the program. Chronic pain accounts for more than 70.28% of the qualifying medical condition by active cardholders followed by PTSD at 12.60%. Vaporizable cannabidiol represents 50% of the products sold in the last year.  High THC products are preferred nearly 2:1 over high CBD […]

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Murphy Presents at NORML ISU Chapter Meeting

On October 13, 2021 GRL Law’s own Colin Murphy spoke before a packed room of cannabis activists at the ISU Memorial Union. The presentation for NORML ISU focused on the current status of marijuana and cannabis extracts.  Colin discussed what not to do during traffic stops.  He also reviewed important driver rights to assert during detention and arrest. GRL’s firm culture emphasizes public outreach especially when it comes to emerging legal issues like cannabis.  Our attorneys regularly take part in educating the general public, criminal defense bar and bench. Presentations like this are what sets GRL Law apart as the […]

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Murphy Presents on Cannabis Extracts at IAJ Criminal Law Seminar

On September 16, 2021 Colin Murphy presented at the annual Iowa Association for Justice Criminal Law Seminar in Iowa City. The presentation focused on the current legal status of cannabis extracts.  In particular, Colin demonstrated how defense attorneys can defend against marijuana charges involving extracts such as CBD, medical cannabidiol and delta-8 THC.     The firm takes great pride in helping to educate both the bench and bar on emerging legal issues. GRL Law.  We know hemp.

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Murphy Named Executive Director of Iowa NORML

Iowa NORML has a new Executive Director.  GRL Law’s own Colin Murphy, long-time member of the NORML Legal Committee, recently assumed the leadership role. One of the first orders of business will be to recertify the state chapter with NORML. Murphy has been very active behind the scenes working closely with Carl Olsen, a leading national expert in cannabis advocacy and reform.  Together, they have petitioned the Drug Enforcement Administration to grant a federal exemption for the state-authorized use of medical cannabidiol in Iowa.   Medical cannabidiol is derived from marijuana containing concentrations of THC greater than 0.3 percent, which is […]

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The Reciprocity Defense for Possessing Out-of-State Medical Marijuana in Iowa

When it comes to possession charges for out-of-state medical marijuana, you should look no further than GRL Law. Many prosecutors will charge these possession offenses under Iowa Code section 124.401(5).  This effectively treats medical marijuana like a street drug rather than a therapeutic purchased at a licensed dispensary.  Most attorneys who dabble in criminal defense accept this framing and go to work negotiating a mandatory minimum plea or deferred judgment. Not GRL Law. We won’t rest without fighting to get the charges dismissed. How do you choose the right attorney for this specialized possession charge in Iowa?  Just ask them […]

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