Iowa Medical Cannabis Program Overview
Iowa's medical cannabis program, administered by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, provides patients access to regulated medical cannabis products.
Important: Iowa does not allow raw flower. Only processed cannabis products are available. Patients are limited to 4.5 grams THC per 90 days, with physician-approved waivers available for higher amounts.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
Patients must be diagnosed with one or more of the following conditions by a licensed Iowa healthcare provider:
- Cancer (with severe/chronic pain, nausea, cachexia)
- Seizure Disorders (including epilepsy)
- Crohn's Disease
- Chronic Pain
- Multiple Sclerosis (severe muscle spasms)
- HIV/AIDS
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson's Disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Terminal Illness
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Severe, Intractable Pediatric Autism (with self-harm/aggression)
- Corticobasal Degeneration
Program Statistics
- Active Patients: Approximately 48,700 active patients statewide
- THC Limits: 4.5 grams THC per 90 days (waivers available)
MMJ.com Services for Iowa Patients
- Eligibility Review: Assessment of medical documentation and eligibility criteria
- Telehealth Evaluations: Secure video consultations with Iowa-licensed providers
- Application Assistance: Guidance through Iowa's Health Care Practitioner Certification Form
- THC Waiver Support: Assistance obtaining waivers for increased THC amounts when needed
About the Qualifying Medical Conditions
Below is information about each qualifying condition and the research that informed Iowa's decision to include it in the state program.
Cancer, Cachexia/Wasting Syndrome, Severe Nausea
These are approved qualifying conditions under Iowa's medical cannabis program. Iowa included these conditions based on research examining cannabinoid use among cancer patients experiencing treatment-related symptoms. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015) (Beal et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 1995)
Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy)
Seizure disorders, including epilepsy, are approved qualifying conditions under Iowa's medical cannabis program. Iowa included these conditions based on clinical trial research examining CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. (Devinsky et al., NEJM 2017)
Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain is an approved qualifying condition under Iowa's medical cannabis program. Iowa included this condition based on systematic reviews examining cannabinoid use among patients with chronic pain conditions. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Multiple Sclerosis (Severe Spasms)
Multiple Sclerosis with severe muscle spasms is an approved qualifying condition under Iowa's medical cannabis program. Iowa included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with MS-related spasticity. (Zajicek et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012)
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are approved qualifying conditions under Iowa's medical cannabis program. Iowa included these conditions based on clinical research examining cannabis use in patients with inflammatory bowel conditions. (Naftali et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013) (Irving et al., Inflamm Bowel Dis 2018)
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is an approved qualifying condition under Iowa's medical cannabis program. Iowa included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among HIV/AIDS patients. (Woolridge et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 2005)
ALS
ALS is an approved qualifying condition under Iowa's medical cannabis program. Iowa included this condition based on research surveying ALS patients about symptom management. (Carter et al., Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2010)
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Iowa's medical cannabis program. Iowa included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among Parkinson's patients. (Lotan et al., Clin Neuropharmacol 2014)
PTSD
PTSD is an approved qualifying condition under Iowa's medical cannabis program. Iowa included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients with PTSD. (Roitman et al., J Clin Psychopharmacol 2014)
Severe, Intractable Pediatric Autism
Severe, intractable pediatric autism (with self-harm or aggression) is an approved qualifying condition under Iowa's medical cannabis program. Iowa included this condition based on emerging research examining cannabinoid use among autism patients. (Aran et al., Neurology 2019)
Terminal Illness and Corticobasal Degeneration
Terminal illness and Corticobasal Degeneration are approved qualifying conditions under Iowa's medical cannabis program as determined by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Petition Process for Adding New Conditions
- How to Petition: Iowa residents may petition the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to add new medical conditions. Petitions require medical documentation, scientific evidence, and professional endorsements.
- Review Timeline: Petitions are typically reviewed within approximately 180 days.
Special Patient Categories
Caregivers
- Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old and register separately
- Responsibilities: Assisting patients with acquiring and administering medical cannabis
Pediatric Patients
- Requirements: Certifications from multiple healthcare providers and parental/guardian consent
- Support: MMJ.com offers guidance for families navigating pediatric applications
Program Details
- Card Validity: 1 year
- State Fee: $100
- THC Limit: 4.5 grams per 90 days (waivers available)
- Product Types: Processed products only (no raw flower)
- Home Cultivation: Not permitted
- Telehealth: Available for evaluations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the approval timeline for a medical cannabis card? Iowa typically processes and approves applications within 30 days of submission.
Can non-residents access Iowa's medical cannabis program? No, only Iowa residents are eligible for the state's medical cannabis program.
Is home cultivation permitted in Iowa? No, home cultivation is not permitted. Patients must obtain medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
Can I get raw flower in Iowa? No, Iowa does not allow raw flower. Only processed cannabis products are available.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides information about Iowa's qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. The inclusion of a condition in Iowa's program does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of therapeutic benefit. Individual results vary. Possible side effects may include dizziness, sedation, and cognitive changes. Patients should consult healthcare providers before starting medical cannabis treatments.