It won't be long before Iowa patients who suffer from chronic and severe illnesses including cancer, ALS, MS, AIDS, and Crohn's disease, will be able to legally purchase medical marijuana manufactured in Cedar Rapids.

The City of Cedar Rapids will become home to the state's second medical Marijuana manufacturer. The news was announced June 29 by the Iowa Department of Public Health, as the state begins to ramp up for the production of medical marijuana for public consumption.

The IDPH will issue a Medical Cannabidiol Manufacturer license to Iowa Relieve, LLC.

According to KCRG, the Cedar Rapids company will be required to start distributing products by July 1, 2019.

Currently, MedPharm in Des Moines, is the only other medical marijuana production facility in Iowa. They are expected to have products available for distribution by December 1.

MedPharm Iowa has appealed to state legislators to remove the three percent cap on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and expand the list of qualified medical conditions. These changes would allow Iowa’s medical cannabidiol program to better serve a greater number of patients.

Unfortunately, the legislature chose not to strengthen the quality of the state’s medical cannabidiol program during the 2018 session.

In a press release issued today, MedPharm said: “We look forward to having Iowa Relief join MedPharm Iowa as a manufacturer and fellow advocate for Iowa patients and an improved medical cannabidiol program,” said Dr. Chris Nelson, owner of MedPharm Iowa. “As the program stands today, though, with its restrictive laws, it will not serve Iowans as intended. We hope that, together with Iowa Relief, we can provide qualified Iowans with the products they need and continue to champion a more inclusive, effective program that improves the quality of life for all those impacted.”

If you or someone you know would like to apply for a medical marijuana card, you can call the Iowa Department of Public Health at 515-281-5616.

[source: KCRG, IDPH]

More From 104-5 KDAT