Herbal IQ

10/30/2026

What If Iowa Got Cannabis Policy Right?

A few years ago, I never imagined that legislation would play such a big role in the future of my own small business. But here we are. I've been thinking a lot lately about where Iowa goes next with cannabis and h**p policy, especially after seeing firsthand how decisions made at the Capitol can affect Iowa businesses, families and communities.

Through my graduate studies in medical cannabis science, my work with Herbal IQ Education & Consulting, the Iowa H**p Alliance and my leadership involvement with the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. I've had the opportunity to learn from some pretty knowledgeable people across the country.

And here's what keeps coming back to me. Iowa doesn't have to reinvent the wheel. We can learn from what other states have done well, avoid some of their mistakes and build something that makes sense for us.

That's why I'm encouraged by Rob Sand's cannabis plan and his willingness to have a serious conversation about responsible legalization, consumer safety, economic considerations and opportunities for State of Iowa and it’s farmers, businesses and consumers.

I've also been working on something I'm calling The Iowa Standard, a framework shaped by my experiences, research and conversations with stakeholders across the industry. The idea is to look at how our medical cannabis, h**p and potential adult use programs could work together, with education, public health, responsible regulation and common-sense legislation, leading the way.

To me, this is about much more than legalization. It's about getting the policy right, protecting Iowans and creating opportunities that benefit our state.

So, I'm curious. If Iowa moves forward with cannabis reform, what's the ONE thing you think we absolutely need to get right?

I'll be sharing more about The Iowa Standard in the coming weeks, and I'd really like to hear your thoughts along the way. ☺️

Here's Rob's plan if you'd like to read it:
https://robsand.com/issues/cannabis-plan/

08/19/2026

Today, I attended The Latest on Federal Ma*****na Rescheduling, an informative discussion about where the federal process stands and what it may mean for the cannabis industry.

The message was clear: Schedule III represents meaningful progress, but it is not federal legalization.

For retailers, manufacturers, cultivators, processors, distributors, laboratories, educators, attorneys, and other professional stakeholders, now is the time to look beyond the headlines. Organizations should review employee education, product claims, quality systems, tax planning, contracts, supply chain documentation and compliance procedures.

Three important questions to consider:
1. Do our employees understand what Schedule III changes and what it doesn’t?
2. Are our legal, tax, and regulatory assumptions based on verified guidance?
3. Are our products, documentation and internal systems prepared for greater professional scrutiny?

The businesses best positioned for what comes next will be those that lead with preparation, transparency, education, and trust. Schedule III may be an important milestone, but it is not the finish line. ☺️

08/06/2026

This Cannabis Chamber of Commerce conversation brings together medical, educational, retail, and industry perspectives to map ways that businesses can prepare for an education-driven marketplace.

08/06/2026

Today or tomorrow, the Senate might vote on an amendment offered by Senator Ted Budd that would remove the h**p extension from the Continuing Resolution to keep government open. If adopted, this amendment would eliminate the temporary protection included in the Senate funding package and put the h**p industry back on track for a sweeping federal h**p ban scheduled to take effect on November 12.

That's why we need every H**p Supporter to take action today.

We've made it incredibly easy. Through our VoterVoice Action Center, simply enter your address and the system will automatically identify your Senators for you. A message is already prepared and can be sent in less than a minute, or you can customize it with your own story and perspective.

Take Action: https://h**psupporter.com/bill/urgent-action-needed-tell-your-senators-to-protect-the-h**p-extension-in-the-cr/

We're also sharing the U.S. Capitol switchboard number because, as Senators prepare to vote, phone calls can be especially impactful. Congressional offices often track constituent calls in real time, and hearing directly from voters today can help reinforce support for keeping the h**p extension in place while Congress finishes work on a responsible long-term solution.
☎️ U.S. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

Every message and every phone call matters as this vote approaches.

08/05/2026

C*D and melanoma research is getting attention and this is exactly where education matters.

A new preclinical study published in Phytomedicine looked at C*D and melanoma models. Researchers reported that C*D was associated with cancer cell death in lab models, reduced melanoma cell growth and invasion, and decreased lung metastasis in a mouse model.
That is interesting science.

But here’s the important part: this does not mean C*D treats melanoma in people. It does not mean C*D cures cancer. And it should never replace care from a licensed medical or oncology team.

What makes this study worth discussing is the mechanism. Researchers identified an epigenetic pathway involving PPARγ, TET1, and LRSAM1, which may help explain how C*D influenced melanoma cells in preclinical models.

At Herbal IQ, our mission is to help people understand cannabis research without hype, fear, or false promises.
Hope is appropriate.
Hype is not.
Education matters.

If you want clear, practical, evidence-first cannabis education, visit www.herbal-iq.com or reach out to learn more. 😊

Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not medical advice. C*D, THC, cannabis, and h**p products do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent melanoma or any cancer. Anyone with suspected or diagnosed melanoma should consult a licensed medical professional or oncology team.

*DResearch

07/28/2026

Hey friends

Last night, I had the opportunity to join Jennifer Boozer Stewart on the Sweet Home CannaBama Podcast for a fun and educational conversation about how medical cannabis actually works in the body.

We explored the endocannabinoid system, the receptors and messengers already working inside us, how THC and C*D travel through the body and why the same product may affect two people very differently. We even talked about why edibles sometimes seem to arrive late and bring luggage!

This is the kind of medical cannabis education Herbal IQ is passionate about: clear science, practical information, honest conversations and fewer confusing claims.

Checkout the episode, share it with someone who may benefit and follow Herbal IQ Education & Consulting for more trusted cannabinoid education. Then tell us in the comments: What is one cannabis or ECS question you would like us to explain next?d

Rick Wagaman, MS (MCST)

An episode by FM Talk 1065 Podcasts

07/25/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sweethomecannabama_cannabamayall-sweethomecannabama-cannabamajen-activity-7486753750787813376-_kbU?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAAFGxGNoB-2Ds_-njx0WDg3-eYJ-IziBqW0s&utm_source=social_share_send&utm_campaign=facebook

07/23/2026

Did you know?

The milligram number on the front of a cannabinoid product does not tell the whole story.

That big number may catch your eye, but it does not automatically tell you how a product may feel, how it should be used or whether it is even the right fit for your goals.

What really matters?

• Serving size
• Cannabinoid type like THC, C*D, CBG or combinations
• Delivery method such as tincture, gummy, capsule or topical
• Third-party testing and product quality
• Your individual response

This is exactly why cannabis education matters.

At Herbal IQ, we believe better decisions start with better understanding. The more you know about cannabinoids, dosage, labeling, and product safety, the more confident you can be in your choices.

If you have ever looked at a product label and thought, “What does this really mean?” you are not alone.

Want help making sense of THC, C*D and cannabinoid product labels?
Visit www.herbal-iq.com to learn more.

Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not medical advice. Always follow local laws and consult a licensed clinician for personal guidance.

*D *DEducation

07/21/2026

THC, C*D, Alzheimer’s support and medical cannabis access all connect to one bigger conversation: Education.

A recent study around a specific THC/C*D formulation for agitation in people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia is worth paying attention to. Not because it proves cannabis cures dementia. It doesn’t. But because it raises an important question; Can carefully studied cannabinoid formulations help support comfort, reduce distress and bring more peace to families in one of the hardest seasons of care?

As medical cannabis access expands, including here in Iowa, we have to pair access with education. More availability without better guidance still leaves caregivers, clinicians and families guessing and guessing is not good enough when we’re talking about dementia, hospice care, complex medications, fall risk, sedation and cognitive impairment.

My takeaway is simple: hope is appropriate, hype is not. Families deserve informed conversations. Clinicians deserve practical education. Senior care teams deserve tools they can trust and cannabis professionals need responsible language that keeps the science honest.

At Herbal IQ, this is the work we care deeply about: translating cannabis research into clear, compassionate, evidence-first education. If this topic connects with you personally or professionally, I’d be glad to continue the conversation. 😊

*D

07/07/2026

One of the things I appreciate most about being part of the Cannabis Chamber is the opportunity to connect with professionals who are helping shape the future of cannabis across the Midwest.

Every conversation brings a different perspective, whether it's policy, h**p, medical cannabis, retail, manufacturing, research or simply lessons learned along the way. That's where some of the best ideas and partnerships begin.

If you're looking to expand your network, exchange ideas or stay connected with what's happening across our region, I'd encourage you to join us for this month's Midwest Networking Call. I think you'll walk away with a few new connections and a fresh perspective.

Feel free to share this with others who have an interest in the cannabis or h**p industry. The more voices around the table, the stronger our community becomes.

One question for everyone: What topic would you like to see discussed during one of our upcoming Midwest networking calls?

Your friend
Rick Wagaman, MS (MCST)
Herbal-IQ

**pIndustry

Join The Cannabis Chamber of Commerce Midwest Networking Group in July. If you work in or around the cannabis space and want to expand your network, this is a great opportunity to do it in a collaborative, regional setting.