Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in Des Moines, IA
Accessing Iowa's Medical Cannabidiol Program in Des Moines is now a streamlined online process. Polk County residents can complete their mandatory practitioner evaluation via a secure video call. This removes the need to secure an in-person appointment at a local clinic.
- $149.99 New & Renewal Visits: Your online telehealth certification or annual MD renewal is one simple, transparent price.
- Legal Access: The ONLY legal way to purchase cannabis in Iowa.
- Vaporization Only: Smoking flower and traditional edibles are not permitted by state law.
- THC Limits: 4.5g THC per 90 days (waivers available for terminal illness).
To get a medical marijuana card in Des Moines, IA, patients with a qualifying condition can book a telehealth consultation for $149.99. Once approved by a physician, the patient submits their certification to the state registry. The state fee is $100 ($25 for Medicaid/SSI).
$149.99
Complete card certification
State Registration Fee
IDPH charges a $100 fee for a 1-year card. Reduced fees available for veterans.
Medical Cannabis in Des Moines, Iowa
Polk County • Des Moines-West Des Moines
## How to Get Your Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Card Online from Des Moines To get your Iowa medical marijuana card from Des Moines, book a 15-minute MMJ.com video visit with an Iowa-licensed physician for $149.99 flat. The certifying provider submits your certification directly to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); once approved and after paying the state fee ($100 or $25 reduced), you will receive your physical card in the mail within a few weeks. The Iowa program is strict and limited, offering a legal pathway to access state-regulated cannabis products for qualified patients. ## Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Card Renewals (1-Year HHS Registry) Iowa medical marijuana cards are valid for 1 year. Renewal requires a physician recertification ($149.99 via MMJ.com) and the state fee to keep your card active. With your active medical card, you maintain access to the state's 5 licensed dispensaries and are legally protected under Iowa's medical cannabidiol laws. ## Where to Use Your Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Card in Des Moines With your active Iowa Registry ID, you can shop at any of the 5 licensed dispensaries statewide. Des Moines medical patients can purchase up to a 4.5g THC per 90 days. Please note that Iowa strictly prohibits the sale and consumption of smokable flower and edibles; only vapes, tinctures, capsules, and topicals are permitted.
214,133
Population
5 mi
To Nearest Dispensary
10 min
Drive Time
What's Allowed Under Iowa's Medical Cannabidiol Program
Iowa has one of the most restrictive medical cannabis programs in the nation. Understand these limitations before applying.
Products You CAN Purchase
- Vape cartridges
- Tinctures and oils
- Capsules and tablets
- Topical creams and lotions
- Transdermal patches
- Oral sprays
- Suppositories
- Nebulized inhalable forms
Products NOT Allowed in Iowa
- Flower (loose leaf, buds)
- Pre-rolls or joints
- Edibles (gummies, chocolates, baked goods)
- Concentrates (wax, shatter, dabs)
- Any smokable form of cannabis
Iowa law prohibits smokable cannabis and edibles. These products are NOT available at any Iowa dispensary regardless of your medical condition.
4.5g THC Purchase Limit
Patients are limited to purchasing 4.5 grams of THC over any 90-day period. A waiver may be available for patients with terminal illness or those whose physician determines they need more. The waiver must be completed by your certifying healthcare provider.
Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Qualifying Conditions
Unlike some states, Iowa requires a specific qualifying condition. You must have one of these 14 conditions certified by an Iowa-licensed healthcare provider.
Not sure if you qualify? Our licensed physicians can evaluate your condition.
Get Your Iowa Medical Marijuana Card GuideHow to Get Your Medical Cannabidiol Card in Des Moines
Schedule a Consultation
Book an appointment with an Iowa-licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. Telehealth consultations are available for Des Moines residents.
Get Certified
Your healthcare provider will evaluate your qualifying condition and complete the Healthcare Practitioner Certification Form if you qualify for one of Iowa's 14 conditions.
Apply Online
Submit your application through the Iowa HHS Medical Cannabidiol Portal with your certification form, ID, proof of Iowa residency, and photo.
Pay the State Fee
Pay the $100 state registration fee (reduced to $25 if you receive SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid).
Receive Your Card
Once approved, you'll receive a temporary card by email followed by a physical card by mail. Processing takes up to 14 days.
Visit a Dispensary
Bring your card and photo ID to purchase products. The nearest dispensary to Des Moines is MedPharm Iowa - Windsor Heights (10 min away).
Nearest Dispensary to Des Moines
Iowa has only 5 licensed dispensaries statewide. Plan your trip in advance.
MedPharm Iowa - Windsor Heights
Windsor Heights, Iowa
5 miles from Des Moines • 10 min drive
Licensed dispensary locations for Des Moines are listed in the sections above.
Note: Due to limited dispensary access, many Iowa patients travel significant distances to purchase their medicine. Consider this when budgeting for your medical cannabis needs.
Reduced State Fee Available
The $100 state registration fee is reduced to just $25 if you provide proof of:
Social Security Disability
SSDI recipients
Supplemental Security Income
SSI recipients
Medicaid Enrollment
Iowa Medicaid participants
Your Iowa Medical Marijuana Physicians
State-licensed physicians certified for medical marijuana evaluations
All evaluations conducted by state-licensed physicians
Medical Cannabidiol Card FAQs for Des Moines Residents
Why can't I buy flower or edibles in Iowa?
Iowa's Medical Cannabidiol Program is one of the most restrictive in the nation. The law only permits cannabis in specific forms: vapes, tinctures, oils, capsules, topicals, and patches. Flower (smokable cannabis) and edibles (gummies, chocolates) are not allowed under current Iowa law.
How much does an Iowa medical cannabidiol card cost in Des Moines?
Through MMJ.com, the total cost is $249.99 ($149.99 physician consultation + $100 state registration fee). The state fee is reduced to $25 if you receive Social Security Disability, SSI, or are on Medicaid.
What conditions qualify for medical cannabidiol in Iowa?
Iowa has 14 qualifying conditions including chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, seizures, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, MS, HIV/AIDS, and terminal illness. You must have your condition certified by an Iowa-licensed healthcare provider.
How much THC can I purchase in Iowa?
Patients are limited to 4.5 grams of THC over any 90-day period. If you have a terminal illness or your doctor determines you need more, you may be eligible for a waiver to increase this limit.
Where is the nearest dispensary to Des Moines?
Iowa has only 5 licensed dispensaries statewide. The nearest dispensary to Des Moines is MedPharm Iowa - Windsor Heights in Windsor Heights, approximately 5 miles away (10 min drive).
Can I grow my own cannabis with an Iowa medical card?
No. Home cultivation is not permitted under Iowa's Medical Cannabidiol Program. All medical cannabis must be purchased from one of the state's 5 licensed dispensaries.
Can I use my out-of-state medical marijuana card in Iowa?
Visitors with valid medical cannabis cards from other states can possess products in Iowa's allowed forms (no flower or edibles), but they CANNOT purchase from Iowa dispensaries. Iowa does not offer reciprocity for purchasing.
Is recreational marijuana legal in Iowa?
No. Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Iowa. Only patients with a valid Medical Cannabidiol Registration Card can legally possess and use cannabis products in allowed forms.
What forms of cannabis can I buy in Iowa?
Iowa allows vape cartridges, tinctures, oils, capsules, tablets, topical creams/lotions, transdermal patches, oral sprays, and suppositories. Flower, pre-rolls, edibles, and concentrates are NOT allowed.
Ready to Get Your Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Card?
Connect with an Iowa-licensed physician from the comfort of your Des Moines home. Get certified for vapes, tinctures, and oils.
Start Your Evaluation - $149.99100% refund if you don't qualify • Telehealth available
Last Updated: May 2026 • Iowa Bureau of Cannabis Regulation