Iowa marijuana laws currently only allow for CBD products. Patients with specific qualifying conditions can still get a medical marijuana card.

Iowa has always had very strict cannabis laws when compared with other states. However, the Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Act of 2017 allows patients to access CBD products to treat medical conditions. These CBD products do not create the same “high” that traditional marijuana products do. While these products do contain some THC, it is a very small amount. However, they can still help with things like chronic pain, seizures, and more.

The state of Iowa has expanded the medical cannabidiol program multiple times since it was originally enacted in 2017. In its most recent expansion, they added more qualifying medical conditions to the list and increasing the amount of THC allowed in each prescription.

Iowa weed laws do not currently allow for recreational marijuana. While there have been initiatives for decriminalization in the past, they have not been successful. This means that if you are found in possession of marijuana without a medical card, you could be subject to legal consequences. Even if you do have a medical marijuana card, you can only possess products that fit within Iowa’s medical guidelines.

There have been initiatives in the past that push for more forgiving marijuana laws in Iowa. For example, Iowans for Medical Marijuana has worked for more inclusive medical marijuana laws. There has been a wave of recreational marijuana legalization around the country over the past decade, so it is possible that we could see this happen in Iowa in the future.

Iowa is unique in that any MD or DO can prescribe medical marijuana. ARNPs, PAs, APRNs, and podiatrists can also prescribe medical marijuana. In many other states, only doctors who are licensed with the medical marijuana board can write the prescription. Because so many medical professionals can prescribe medical marijuana in Iowa, you can get the recommendation from your primary care doctor if necessary.

If you want to save time on the process, you can also get your recommendation online through platforms like Elevate Holistics. This means you can register for an Iowa medical marijuana card without having to leave your home. Elevate Holistics allows you to make secure and HIPAA compliant online appointments with doctors who have an Iowa medical license.

Applying for a medical marijuana card in Iowa is a fairly simple process. First, you will need to get a written certification from your doctor, which proves that you have one of Iowa’s qualifying conditions. Your doctor also has the option to increase the amount of THC you can purchase if you need it. They can do this by signing a waiver.

In order to get an Iowa medical card, you must be a permanent resident of Iowa. You’ll also need to either be over the age of 18 or apply with a caregiver. Once you have your medical marijuana certification, you can apply online through the Iowa Department of Public Health. You will need to prove your residency and pay the application fee, which is $100 for most patients. However, some patients will qualify for a reduced fee of $25.

Iowa approves medical marijuana applications fairly quickly, sometimes even within 24 hours. If  they determine that you qualify, you will be emailed a temporary card that you can use right away. Then, the state will mail you a permanent card within a few weeks.

Yes, CBD products are currently legal in Iowa. In fact, most medical marijuana products in Iowa are derived from CBD, as the state has strict requirements about THC content in their products. It’s also important to note that CBD derived from hemp is legal on a federal level. This means you can purchase oils, edibles, and drinks that contain hemp-derived CBD even without a medical marijuana card. However, medical-grade CBD products in Iowa are highly regulated to meet safety and quality standards.

When signing up for medical marijuana in Iowa, you will need to pay a registration fee. The registration fee for most patients is $100. However, some patients are eligible for reduced fees of $25. This includes patients who receive social security or disability payments, as well as patients who are currently enrolled in state or federal medical assistance programs. Caregivers will also need to pay a $25 fee when they initially register. You will need to pay the registration fee on a yearly basis when you renew your card.

It’s also important to note that insurance companies do not cover expenses related to medical marijuana yet, as marijuana is not legal on a federal level. This means that patients will need to pay out-of-pocket for their doctor’s visits during the registration process. The cost of this can vary. Elevate Holistics offers visits with medical marijuana doctors starting at $75.

If you have a medical marijuana card in another state but spend a lot of time in Iowa, you may be wondering if you can access medical marijuana in Iowa. Right now, medical marijuana cards from other states do not currently allow you to purchase medical marijuana in Iowa. However, you can bring and consume your own medical marijuana prescription from your own state. Of course, you need to make sure you are consuming the marijuana in a place where it is legal, as many public spaces do not allow for marijuana consumption.

If you have a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in Iowa but are under the age of 18, you can still purchase medical marijuana with the help of a caregiver. You can also designate a caregiver if your physical condition prevents you from visiting the dispensary. The caregiver will need to apply online with you and pay the caregiver fee of $25. They will also need to be designated by your doctor as a necessary caregiver. Caregivers must be over the age of 18. They must live either in Iowa or in a state that borders Iowa such as Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, South Dakota, or Nebraska.

Unfortunately, you cannot grow any marijuana at home in Iowa, even if you have a medical card. Iowa still has very strict laws about who can and cannot grow marijuana, and products at dispensaries in Iowa are very highly regulated. Right now, there are only two licensed growers in the state of Iowa, and these licenses are very difficult to obtain. If you are caught growing marijuana without a license in Iowa, you could face very strict penalties. This could include fees as high as $750 per plant as well as other legal consequences. Future marijuana legalization in Iowa could change this, but for now, it’s very important to follow the existing laws.

Once you have your medical marijuana card, you will be able to visit an Iowa dispensary to select the right products for your needs. Right now, Iowa only has five dispensaries, so you may have to drive in order to visit the nearest one. At the dispensary, the staff will help you navigate the products available to determine which one is going to be best for your needs.

Dispensaries in Iowa offer limited products when compared to other states. Pricing for Iowa medical weed is typically higher as well. Don’t hesitate to ask questions while visiting the dispensary – the staff is there to help you find the best products possible for your needs. You can also check in with your doctor to see what types of products they recommend.

Click here to learn more about medical marijuana specifically in Des Moines, Iowa.
Want to learn more about medical cannabis in Iowa? Click here to read our Iowa MMJ FAQs.