Tag: medical cannabidiol

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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Iowa Should Seek Federal Exemption for State Marijuana Laws

Another year, another flurry of legislative activity regarding the decriminalization of marijuana in Iowa.  The latest iteration introduced today in the Judiciary Committee is SF 406. There is certainly plenty to like in the bill.  Simple possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana flower is legal.  Accommodation of up to an ounce without remuneration?  Legal.  Gatherings?  Again, legal.  Retail marijuana cultivation and sales permitted. But the Iowa legislature continues to overlook one critical issue. Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level.   So, the specter of federal prohibition and prosecution continues to be ever present. Yes, […]

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Record CBD Seizure in Adair County Ends with Court-Ordered Return to Client

Greenfield, Adair County, Iowa.  The drug defense attorneys at GRL Law prevailed again today by successfully securing a court order for the return of over-the-counter cannabidiol (CBD) products seized by local law enforcement.  The estimated retail value of these CBD products exceeded $3,000, which is believed to be the largest seizure of its kind in Adair County. The original basis for the seizure was the erroneous belief that our client was operating an unlicensed “medical cannabidiol” dispensary under Iowa Code Chapter 124E.  Medical cannabidiol in Iowa contains both concentrated CBD and THC extracted from marijuana and is heavily regulated by […]

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New Hemp Testing for Total THC Requires 5 Grams

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory recently updated its policies regarding Cannabis testing in light of the 2018 Farm Bill, S.F. 599 and H.F. 2581.  Under the new laws, cannabis containing less than 0.3% total THC (Δ9-THC + THCA) is considered hemp.  Hemp extracts, including CBD, are no longer controlled substances under state and federal law. The drug identification section is now capable of performing semi-quantitative testing of plant material to determine the total THC amount.  The method of analysis mirrors that used by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.  If the sample exceeds 0.3%, then the substance will […]

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Medical Cannabidiol and Firearms

Under Iowa Code chapter 124E, Iowa residents, who submit written certification by a heath care practitioner that they are suffering from a certain debilitating medical condition, can apply to the Department of Public Health for a medical cannabidiol registration card.  This card enables Iowans access to concentrated extracts of marijuana containing both THC and CBD to treat their health condition. Although the use of marijuana extracts for medical purposes is sanctioned under Iowa law, both marijuana and THC remain Schedule I controlled substances under federal law. This poses a real problem for those card holders who wish to simultaneously exercise […]

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THC Metabolites Remain in Blood for Extended Periods During Abstinence

According to data recently published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, THC remained detectable in blood at levels greater than 2.0 ng/ml during several days of abstinence. Investigators affiliated with the University of British Columbia reviewed the relevant literature assessing residual THC plasma levels in those who regularly consume cannabis.  They reported: “[I]n all studies where participants were observed for over a day, blood THC [levels] in some participants remained detectable during several days of abstinence,” with some subjects continuing to test positive for up to 30 days. Some subjects also demonstrated a so-called “double hump” pattern “where their […]

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Murphy Presents on Hemp Extract to Bar Association

On March 6, 2019 GRL’s own Colin Murphy presented the topic of the Legal Status of Hemp Extract in Iowa before a full room at the Webster County Bar Association’s annual March Madness CLE. Colin thoroughly explained the history of cannabis in the United States and the rise of “Refer Madness” that led to decades of prohibition against hemp.  The highlight of the presentation was an in-depth explanation of the return of hemp and hemp extracts, based on the 2018 Farm Bill, and the potential legal defenses to raise in over-the-counter CBD possession offenses until such time as SF 599 […]

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The Legal Status of Hemp Extract in Iowa (Current as of 3/20/2020)

If you are a regular visitor to the blog, then you will recall that way back in May 2019, GRL predicted that it would only be a matter of time before the state explicitly legalized hemp and cannabinoids extracted from hemp, like cannabidiol or CBD following passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. We couldn’t have been more prescient.  Not long after the post published, Governor Reynolds signed Senate File 599, now known as the Iowa Hemp Act codified under Iowa Code chapter 204. That means the over-the-counter CBD is legal for retail sale, right? Not exactly. The law in Iowa […]

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