DES MOINES, IA – Candidate for governor in Iowa, Democrat Rob Sand, today (Monday) announced his plan to legalize, tax, and regulate adult-use cannabis — keeping tax dollars in Iowa and putting them to work for Iowans.
A press release from Sand’s campaign says “Right now, Iowans are driving across state lines to purchase fully legalized and regulated cannabis in neighboring states, taking millions in revenue with them. Rob’s plan would bring those dollars back home while creating thousands of jobs, expanding entrepreneurship and investment opportunities for Iowans and Iowa small businesses, and supporting Iowa farmers.”
Candidate Sand said “I’ve been sounding the alarm for years: Iowa is staring down a nearly $1.4 billion budget hole, and insiders won’t stop digging. One common-sense way to help close that gap is to legalize adult-use cannabis and tax and regulate it like alcohol. Right now, Iowans are driving across state lines — and taking their tax dollars with them — to make these purchases. That’s revenue we’re losing that should be staying right here in Iowa. And we shouldn’t be using our tax dollars to lock people up for three hots and a cot for using cannabis in 2026. That’s why I’m announcing my plan to legalize, tax, and regulate adult-use cannabis — so we can keep those dollars in Iowa, support our farmers, and start getting our budget back on track.”
His plan to legalize adult-use cannabis would (According to the campaign):
- Legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis similarly to alcohol.
- Support Iowa farmers by creating a new revenue stream and prioritizing grow licenses for small and mid-size family farms while responsibly managing the number of licenses issued statewide.
- Reverse the prohibition on the sale of consumable hemp products.
- Establish clear, responsible provisions for cannabis products, including:
- A clear licensing process.
- Limits on total THC content.
- Age restrictions on purchases.
- Regulations on cannabis product packaging to meet child-resistant packaging standards.
- Limits on advertisements.
- A ban on public consumption.
- Create approximately 7,000 jobs and expand opportunities for small business owners across Iowa.
His campaign says “After a decade of one-party control, Iowa is staring down a nearly $1.4 billion budget hole. With essential services at risk, Iowa can’t afford more of the same reckless spending. That’s why Rob Sand is focused on taking real steps to solve the state’s budget crisis and get Iowa back on solid financial footing.”
