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DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- The Iowa Board of Pharmacy has voted to propose legislation that would reclassify marijuana and make it easier to legalize the drug for medical purposes.

The board voted 6-0 on Wednesday to propose a bill defining marijuana as a Schedule II drug.

State law currently lists marijuana as a Schedule I drug, which has almost no legal purposes. Legislators would also have to approve a separate medical marijuana program if they accept the board's proposal.

Iowa Governor-Elect Terry Branstad is among several state lawmakers who have said they oppose that idea.

Supporters of the bill say marijuana can ease symptoms for patients with cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other ailments.

Opponents say the medical marijuana campaign is a front for people who want to use the drug recreationally. 

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