“I look forward to having a conversation with the Governor to learn more about her concerns regarding the bill.”

By Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch

A key lawmaker said he was surprised by Gov. Kim Reynolds’s (R) veto last week of a bill that would have allowed for the prescription and distribution of synthetic psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in “magic mushrooms” following federal approval of the drug.

Reynolds said the bill “moves ahead” of public health systems, law enforcement and regulatory systems in the state.

“This decision is not a dismissal of the emerging science or the sincere advocacy behind this legislation,” Reynolds said in her explanation of the veto. “Rather, it is a call for a more deliberate and Iowa-centric approach.”

House File 383 was one of two bills from the Iowa House this year that sought to legalize the use of psychedelics as a treatment for mental health issues, like post-traumatic stress disorder.

The bill’s floor manager, Rep. Brett Barker (R-Nevada) said the veto from the governor was “unexpected” considering the bill passed with unanimous consent in both chambers.

“I look forward to having a conversation with the Governor to learn more about her concerns regarding the bill,” Barker said in an email.

The other bill, House File 978, would have created a psilocybin licensing board in Iowa, and similar to the state’s medical marijuana program, would have allowed eligible patients access to the drug while it is still federally classified as Schedule I substance.

The bill advanced from the House but was not heard in the Senate.

HF 383, the bill put before the governor, would have immediately rescheduled any drugs containing crystalline polymorph psilocybin, the synthetic version of the compound, if they were approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Under the bill and conditioned circumstances, it would be legal to prescribe, distribute and market drugs with the ingredient, which is also sometimes referred to as COMP360.

Clinical trials of COMP360 as a treatment for PTSD and treatment resistant depression have been conducted and are ongoing.

A similar bill was signed into law in Colorado in March. Colorado and Oregon are the only states with legalized medical licensing programs for psilocybin.

Reynolds said she does “recognize and respect the growing body of research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin” but she said the compound should be approved by FDA and the Drug Enforcement Agency before Iowa acts to reschedule.

“The pathway provided by this bill for legalization of psilocybin at the state level before we have a chance to review federal action…creates legal uncertainty, poses risks for misuse and could undermine broader efforts to ensure safe and effective therapeutic use in the future,” Reynolds said.

This story was first published by Iowa Capital Dispatch.

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Sometimes you want to truly chill but have some lethargy – here is how to minimize it 

A night kicking back and enjoying a margarita or rum and coke can make for a rough morning.  Headaches, dry mouth and more, but cannabis doesn’t provide the same hangover. But, for some, it can leave you tired.  So how to avoid post cannabis grogginess?

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The main psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC, can stay in your system long after the high wears off. Depending on dosage and your metabolism, residual THC may subtly affect cognitive function the next day, making you feel tired or foggy.

Cannabis can alter REM sleep, the stage associated with dreaming and cognitive restoration. While it may help you fall asleep faster, regular use can reduce REM sleep quality, leading to feelings of fatigue or grogginess the next day — even after a full night’s sleep.

Cannabis use often causes dry mouth and mild dehydration, which can carry into the next morning. Even slight dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.

High doses, particularly from edibles, stay in the body longer and can cause an extended high. This can disrupt sleep, affect mood, and linger into the following day.

RELATED: Cannabis Is Way Better And Safer Than A Honey Pack

To avoid the grogginess the next day, start low and go slow with smaller doses — especially of THC. It reduces the risk of next-day fog. Consider microdosing or using cannabis strains lower in THC and higher in CBD. Avoid consuming cannabis late at night, especially if it’s a potent strain. Give your body several hours to metabolize it before bedtime to reduce sleep disruption. Opt for strains known for relaxation without heavy sedation. Sativa-leaning or balanced hybrids may be less likely to cause lingering drowsiness compared to strong indica strains.

It is important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after using cannabis. Staying hydrated helps your body flush out cannabinoids and reduces fatigue-related symptoms.

Create a healthy bedtime routine. Even if cannabis helps you fall asleep, combine it with practices like limiting screen time, reducing caffeine, and keeping a consistent sleep schedule.

Feeling groggy the day after using cannabis can be frustrating, but it’s not inevitable. By understanding how cannabis interacts with your body and making mindful adjustments, you can reduce or even eliminate that dreaded next-day slump. As with any substance, listening to your body and using it responsibly is key.

[PRESS RELEASE] – WELCH, Minn., June  18, 2025 – Island Peži, a native cannabis company from The Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC) in Minnesota, will celebrate its first anniversary of opening with a block party from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on June 22.

Island Peži’s dispensary was one of the first to open to serve Minnesota’s legalized adult-use cannabis market and is the latest business endeavor from the tribe, which has since launched a 13-acre cultivation campus featuring sun-grown and greenhouse cannabis operations, as well as facilities for extraction, processing and distribution. The dispensary is one of the first recreational cannabis retailers in the state, operating under the sovereign authority of the PIIC. While the state has yet to issue licenses to non-tribal entities, Island Pezi has demonstrated the success of a regulated marketplace.

A block party will include raffles, prizes and pop-ups from vendors including North Star Canna, Slay Beverages and Ganja Skoden, as well as offerings from local food trucks. Guests will receive a complimentary pre-roll with any purchase, while supplies last. A traveling photo booth will be available for visitors, and a local DJ will perform throughout the afternoon.

“Our cannabis investments have created a long-term revenue stream for our community and future generations of our tribal members,” said Grant Johnson, Prairie Island Tribal Council president. “We’re proud to honor responsible stewardship of our land as we focus on regenerative agricultural practices that will support a sustainable and responsible ecosystem for these operations.”