Pubdate: Fri, 25 Apr 2014 Source: Omaha World-Herald (NE) Copyright: 2014 Omaha World-Herald Company Contact: http://www.omaha.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/320 Note: from the Associated Press IOWA SENATE PASSES MEASURE LEGALIZING FORM OF MARIJUANA TO TREAT CHRONIC EPILEPSY DES MOINES (AP) - The Iowa Senate has passed a bill legalizing the use of a form of marijuana to treat chronic epilepsy. The measure, which passed 36-12, goes to the House. It allows the medical use of oil derived from the cannabis plant as a last-resort treatment for seizures caused by a chronic form of epilepsy. The oil cannot be smoked and doesn't create a high. A written recommendation from a neurologist would be required. Patients and caregivers would have to obtain a registration card through Iowa's Department of Public Health. Opponents said the bill sends a signal that marijuana use is OK. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D