Iowa Has a Highly Restrictive Program
NO flower • NO edibles • Only 5 dispensaries statewide • 4.5g THC limit per 90 days
Medical Cannabidiol Card in Iowa City, IA
Access vapes, tinctures, and oils for qualifying conditions. Iowa's program has strict restrictions - understand what's allowed before applying.
To get a medical cannabidiol card in Iowa City, Iowa, you need a qualifying condition (like chronic pain, PTSD, or cancer) certified by an Iowa-licensed healthcare provider. Apply through the Iowa HHS portal with a $100 state fee ($25 reduced). Iowa has strict limits: only 5 dispensaries statewide, 4.5g THC per 90 days, and NO flower or edibles allowed.
Iowa Program Quick Facts
Medical Cannabis in Iowa City, Iowa
Johnson County • Iowa City-Cedar Rapids
Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa and 74,828 residents, is Johnson County's vibrant college town and a UNESCO City of Literature. As the site of the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics—one of the nation's top academic medical centers—Iowa City has a medically sophisticated population familiar with evidence-based treatments. The city has MedPharm Iowa's dispensary within its limits, serving patients from across eastern Iowa. Iowa City's mix of students, faculty, healthcare workers, and retirees commonly manage conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and PTSD that may qualify for Iowa's Medical Cannabidiol Program. IMPORTANT: Iowa permits only vapes, tinctures, oils, and topicals—NO flower, NO edibles—with a 4.5g THC limit per 90 days. For University of Iowa students and Iowa City residents, MMJ.com's telehealth brings Iowa-licensed physicians directly to your home for a convenient 15-minute evaluation.
74,828
Population
N/A 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.
Start Your EvaluationHow to Get Your Medical Cannabidiol Card in Iowa City
Schedule a Consultation
Book an appointment with an Iowa-licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. Telehealth consultations are available for Iowa City 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 Iowa City is MedPharm Iowa - Iowa City (10 min away).
Nearest Dispensary to Iowa City
Iowa has only 5 licensed dispensaries statewide. Plan your trip in advance.
MedPharm Iowa - Iowa City
Iowa City, Iowa
0 miles from Iowa City • 10 min drive
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 City Medical Marijuana Physicians
State-licensed physicians certified for medical marijuana evaluations
All evaluations conducted by state-licensed physicians
Medical Cannabidiol Card FAQs for Iowa City 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 Iowa City?
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 Iowa City?
Iowa has only 5 licensed dispensaries statewide. The nearest dispensary to Iowa City is MedPharm Iowa - Iowa City in Iowa City, approximately 0 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.
Medical Cannabidiol Cards Near Iowa City
Serving Iowa City neighborhoods including Downtown, Northside, Longfellow, Manville Heights, and more.
Ready to Get Your Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Card?
Connect with an Iowa-licensed physician from the comfort of your Iowa City home. Get certified for vapes, tinctures, and oils.
Start Your Evaluation - $149100% refund if you don't qualify • Telehealth available
Last Updated: December 2024 • Iowa Bureau of Cannabis Regulation