Carl E. Olsen
Iowa NORML
P.O. Box 4091
Des Moines, IA  50333

Dear Carl:
        Thank you for contacting my office on behalf of Allen Helmers.  It's good to hear from you.
        I appreciate knowing of your continuing interest in making marijuana available for medical uses.  Because marijuana is illegal, this is very controversial.  The Food and Drug Administration has approved Marinol which has the same active ingredient as marijuana.  I have enclosed information on this drug for your review.  You may want to share this with Mr. Helmers.
        Once again, thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.  I look forward to hearing from you again.

        Sincerely,

        Tom Harkin
        United States Senator

TH/kjz
Enclosure