Does Iowa have a recreational use program?

No, recreational use is not legal in Iowa. It is against the law in Iowa to use cannabis for recreational purposes because it is a controlled drug under Chapter 124 and Code 657 of the Iowa Administrative Code.

Does Iowa have a medical program?

Yes, medical cannabis is legal in Iowa. Iowa’s Medical Cannabidiol Act makes medical marijuana legal. In 2014, the Iowa senate passed SF 2360, a bill that only grants people with uncontrollable epilepsy access to CBD products containing up to 3% THC for medical purposes.

A few changes have been made to the original bill. The most recent change was in June 2020 when more qualifying conditions were added.

What are the rules for medical use?

A patient must make an appointment with a licensed medical professional who will confirm their medical condition to register with the Iowa Medical Marijuana Program. Once accepted, a patient who meets the requirements can sign up for the state’s Medical Marijuana Program online through the state-approved registration system. They can also register by submitting accepted forms that are filled out and sent to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

Iowans who qualify for medical cannabis must show proof that they live in the state to get a medical CBD registration card.

What are the qualifying medical conditions for eligibility?

• Cancer – if the condition or its treatment produces one or more of the following:
  • Cachexia or severe wasting
  • Severe or chronic pain
  • Nausea or severe vomiting
• Crohn’s disease
• Seizures
• Chronic pain
• AIDS or HIV
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Multiple Sclerosis with persistent muscle spasms
• Parkinson’s disease
• A terminal health condition with a life expectancy of no more than 12 months, if the condition or its treatment causes: severe or chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, cachexia or severe wasting
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Severe, intractable pediatric autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors
• Corticobasal Degeneration
• Severe, intractable autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors

What are the medical program limits?

People with an Iowa medical cannabis registration card can only buy 4.5 grams of THC in 90 days unless their doctors say that they can get more than that.

What methods of use are permitted under the medical program?

Medical cannabis products can be sold in Iowa in suppositories, vapes, orals, topicals, and forms that can be inhaled.

Is there home delivery for medical cannabis?

In Iowa, it is against the law to deliver medical marijuana. Chapter 124E of the Iowa Code and 641 IAC 541 say that cannabis products can only be bought in person from licensed dispensaries by qualified patients or their caretakers.

Is CBD legal in Iowa?

Yes, CBD is legal in Iowa. CBD oil made from hemp that has less than 0.3% THC can be bought by residents from approved dispensaries.

The Iowa Hemp Act, which is in line with the 2018 Farm Bill, set rules for people and companies that make CBD oil from hemp.

Iowa has a program called the Medical Cannabidiol Program that lets approved patients and their caretakers have CBD oil that has more THC in it. Patients who have registered can only have 4.5 grams of CBD oil from marijuana at a time and for 90 days. 

Is cannabis decriminalized in Iowa?

No. Iowa has not decriminalized marijuana.

It is an infraction to have any amount of marijuana for the first time. You can go to jail for 6 months and pay a fine of up to $1,000.

Having any amount of marijuana for a second time is a misdemeanor that can lead to up to 12 months in jail and costs up to $2,560.

For the third time, having any amount of marijuana is a crime that can get you 24 months in jail and fines of up to $8,540.