Iowa Medical Marijuana Caregiver Requirements 2026
Iowa's medical cannabidiol (CBD) program, overseen by the Office of Medical Cannabidiol (OMC), has unique features including measuring possession by THC content rather than product weight. Caregivers enjoy free registration and can serve up to 5 patients.
Quick Facts: Iowa Caregiver Program
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | FREE ($0) |
| Card Validity | 1 year |
| Max Patients | 5 |
| Processing Time | Up to 30 days |
| Home Cultivation | Not permitted |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Iowa resident required |
Iowa's Unique THC-Based Limits
Iowa measures possession differently than other states:
- THC Content: Limits based on total THC grams, not product weight
- Current Limit: 4.5 grams of total THC per 90 days
- Calculation: THC percentage × product weight = THC content
- More Restrictive: Results in less usable product than most states
Who Can Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Iowa?
Age Requirement:
- Must be at least 18 years old
Residency:
- Must be an Iowa resident
- Must possess valid Iowa identification
Background Check Requirements:
- State criminal background check required
- Disqualifying offenses include:
- Felony within 5 years
- Drug-related convictions
- 5-year lookback period
- No fingerprinting required
Additional Requirements:
- Cannot be a registered patient yourself
- Must be designated as a primary caregiver by patients
How to Register as an Iowa Caregiver: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Patient Designation Up to 5 qualifying patients can designate you as their primary caregiver.
Step 2: Create OMC Account Visit the Iowa Office of Medical Cannabidiol portal.
Step 3: Complete Registration Submit your caregiver application with:
- Personal identification
- Proof of Iowa residency
- Patient designation(s)
Step 4: Background Check Consent to criminal background check (no fingerprinting).
Step 5: Receive Approval Once approved (up to 30 days), your caregiver registration is active.
Required Documents for Iowa Caregiver Registration
- Valid Iowa driver's license or state-issued ID
- Proof of Iowa residency
- Primary caregiver designation from patient(s)
- No payment required
Iowa Caregiver Rights and Responsibilities
What Caregivers CAN Do:
- Purchase medical cannabidiol products from licensed dispensaries
- Possess up to 4.5 grams of total THC per 90 days per patient
- Transport products between dispensary and patients
- Serve up to 5 patients simultaneously
What Caregivers CANNOT Do:
- Grow cannabis plants (not permitted in Iowa)
- Be a registered patient yourself
- Exceed THC possession limits
- Transfer products to non-cardholders
Understanding Iowa's THC Limits
Iowa's THC-based system works differently:
Example Calculation:
- If a product is 10% THC and weighs 10 grams
- THC content = 10% × 10g = 1 gram of THC
- With a 4.5g THC limit, you could possess 45 grams of this product
Practical Impact:
- More restrictive than states measuring by ounces
- Higher-THC products mean less overall product
- Requires careful tracking of purchases
Possession Limits for Iowa Caregivers
- THC Limit: 4.5 grams of total THC per 90-day period per patient
- Maximum Patients: 5
- Calculation: Based on THC content, not product weight
- Tracking: All purchases tracked through state system
Costs and Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Caregiver Registration | FREE |
| Annual Renewal | FREE |
| Replacement Card | FREE |
Iowa charges no fees for caregiver registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cannabis can an Iowa caregiver possess? Iowa limits possession to 4.5 grams of total THC over a 90-day period per patient. This is measured by THC content, not product weight.
Is there a fee to become an Iowa caregiver? No. Iowa does not charge a registration fee for caregivers.
Can I grow cannabis as a caregiver in Iowa? No. Home cultivation is not permitted in Iowa. All products must be purchased from licensed dispensaries.
How many patients can an Iowa caregiver serve? Iowa allows caregivers to serve up to 5 patients simultaneously.
What is the minimum age to be a caregiver in Iowa? 18 years old.
Why does Iowa measure by THC content? Iowa's approach focuses on limiting total THC consumption rather than product volume. This results in a more restrictive program than most states.
Official Resources
- Iowa Office of Medical Cannabidiol
- Patient & Caregiver Registration
- Find Iowa Dispensaries
- Iowa Code Chapter 124E
Get Your Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Card
MMJ.com connects Iowa patients with certified physicians for convenient evaluations. Get registered for Iowa's medical cannabidiol program today.