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Iowa Medical Marijuana Laws & Regulations 2026

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All our doctors are licensed to practice in Iowa and specialize in cannabis medicine.

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Most patients receive their certification within hours of their evaluation.

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Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Laws: Complete Guide 2026

Iowa's medical cannabis program, officially called the Medical Cannabidiol Program, is one of the most restrictive in the nation. Established through the Medical Cannabidiol Act in 2014 and significantly expanded in 2017, the program limits THC to 25 grams per 90-day period and prohibits smokable flower.

Is Marijuana Legal in Iowa?

Medical cannabidiol is legal with strict limits; recreational is not:

  • Medical Cannabidiol: Legal since 2014 (expanded 2017, 2020)
  • First Dispensary Sales: December 2018
  • Recreational Cannabis: ILLEGAL
  • Home Cultivation: NOT PERMITTED
  • Smokable Flower: NOT PERMITTED

Key Legislation

LawCitationEffective Date
Medical Cannabidiol ActIowa Code Chapter 124E2014 (original), 2017 (expanded)
THC Cap ExpansionSF 2363July 1, 2020
OMC Administrative RulesIowa Admin. Code 641-154Ongoing
Controlled SubstancesIowa Code Chapter 124Ongoing

Office of Medical Cannabidiol (OMC)

The Office of Medical Cannabidiol under Iowa Health and Human Services administers the program.

Contact Information:

Qualifying Conditions

Under Iowa Code § 124E.2, the following conditions qualify for medical cannabidiol:

  1. Cancer with severe or chronic pain, nausea, severe vomiting, or cachexia
  2. Multiple sclerosis with severe and persistent muscle spasms
  3. Seizures (including epilepsy)
  4. AIDS/HIV
  5. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  6. Parkinson's disease
  7. Any terminal illness with life expectancy under one year
  8. Crohn's disease
  9. Ulcerative colitis
  10. Corticobasal degeneration
  11. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  12. Severe, intractable autism with self-injurious behavior
  13. Chronic pain that is severe and unmanageable
  14. Severe, intractable pediatric autism
  15. Any condition for which a patient is receiving hospice care

THC and Possession Limits

Iowa has strict THC limits that are lower than most medical cannabis programs:

MetricLimit
Total THC per 90 days25 grams
Single purchase limitAs recommended by physician

Note: The 25-gram limit was increased from 4.5 grams in 2020 (SF 2363).

Permitted Product Forms

Iowa has very restrictive product form requirements:

Product TypeLegal Status
Oils/Tincturesâś“ Legal
Capsules/Pillsâś“ Legal
Topicals (lotions, creams)âś“ Legal
Suppositoriesâś“ Legal
Tabletsâś“ Legal
Liquidsâś“ Legal
Smokable flowerâś— NOT PERMITTED
Ediblesâś— NOT PERMITTED
Vaporizable flowerâś— NOT PERMITTED
Concentrates for dabbingâś— NOT PERMITTED

Patient Registration

Requirements:

  • Iowa resident with valid state ID
  • Written certification from a healthcare practitioner
  • Complete application through HHS patient portal
  • Pay registration fee: $100 (annual)
  • Must renew certification annually

Card Validity: 1 year from issuance

Caregiver Requirements

Patients who cannot obtain or administer cannabis themselves may designate a caregiver:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must pass background check
  • Register with OMC and pay fee
  • May assist one patient (unless family members)
  • Parent/guardian serves as caregiver for minors

Dispensaries

Iowa has a limited number of licensed dispensaries:

  • 5 licensed dispensary operators statewide
  • Each operator may have multiple locations
  • Products must be tested and labeled
  • All sales tracked in state system

Home Cultivation

Home cultivation is NOT permitted in Iowa under any circumstances.

Taxation

Medical Cannabidiol:

  • Standard 6% state sales tax
  • Local option sales tax may apply (up to 1%)
  • No special cannabis excise tax

Penalties for Violations

Without a Medical Cannabidiol Card:

Iowa has some of the harshest marijuana penalties in the nation. Under Iowa Code § 124.401:

OffenseClassificationPenalty
Possession (any amount, 1st offense)Serious MisdemeanorUp to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine
Possession (2nd offense)Aggravated MisdemeanorUp to 2 years, $6,250 fine
Possession (3rd+ offense)Class D FelonyUp to 5 years, $7,500 fine
Distribution < 50 kgClass D FelonyUp to 5 years, $7,500-75,000 fine
Distribution 50-100 kgClass C FelonyUp to 10 years, $50,000-1,000,000 fine
Distribution > 100 kgClass B FelonyUp to 25 years, $100,000-5,000,000 fine
Cultivation (any amount)Class D FelonyUp to 5 years, $7,500-75,000 fine
Near school/public parkEnhancedDoubled penalties

Note: Iowa has NOT decriminalized marijuana possession.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of cannabis is prohibited under Iowa Code § 321J.2, regardless of medical patient status.

Iowa has a zero-tolerance per se standard - any detectable amount of THC in the system while driving can result in DUI charges.

DUI Penalties:

  • 1st offense: $625-1,250 fine, up to 1 year jail, 180-day license revocation
  • 2nd offense (within 12 years): $1,875-6,250 fine, up to 2 years prison, 2-year revocation
  • 3rd offense: Class D felony, $3,125-9,375 fine, up to 5 years prison, 6-year revocation

Medical patients are NOT exempt from DUI laws.

Employment Rights

Iowa provides LIMITED employment protections for medical cannabidiol cardholders:

Under Iowa Code § 124E.12:

  • Employers cannot refuse to hire or terminate solely based on patient status
  • However, employers may prohibit use during work hours
  • Employers may take action if employee is impaired at work
  • Employers may comply with federal drug-free workplace requirements
  • No protection for positive drug tests showing active THC

Out-of-State Patients

Iowa does NOT accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards. Only Iowa-registered patients may purchase medical cannabidiol in the state.

Telehealth Evaluations

Iowa permits telehealth evaluations for medical cannabidiol certifications:

  • Initial certification via telehealth allowed
  • Follow-up certifications via telehealth allowed
  • Must use Iowa-licensed healthcare practitioner

Key Resources

Timeline of Medical Cannabidiol in Iowa

DateEvent
May 2014Original Medical Cannabidiol Act passed (SF 2360)
May 2017Program expanded with more conditions (SF 2360)
December 2018First dispensary sales begin
July 1, 2020THC cap increased to 25 grams per 90 days (SF 2363)
2021-2025Program continues with limited expansion

Program Limitations

Iowa's medical cannabidiol program is notably more restrictive than most states:

  • Low THC cap (25g/90 days vs. unlimited in many states)
  • No smokable flower (oils, capsules, topicals only)
  • No edibles
  • Limited qualifying conditions compared to other states
  • No home cultivation
  • High patient fees ($100/year)
  • Limited dispensary locations

This information reflects Iowa cannabis laws as of December 2025. Always consult official state sources and legal counsel for the most current requirements.

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FAQ

Common Questions About Iowa MMJ Cards

How much does a Iowa medical marijuana card cost in 2025?+
The total cost for a Iowa medical marijuana card includes two components: First, MMJ.com charges $149.99 for the physician evaluation and certification. This fee covers your telehealth consultation with a licensed Iowa doctor, your signed physician certification, and ongoing support throughout the registration process. Second, the state of Iowa charges a registration fee of $100. This brings your total cost to approximately $249.99. If you are not approved by our physician, you will receive a full refund of the $149.99 evaluation fee—this is our 100% money-back guarantee.
Can I get my Iowa medical marijuana card online through telehealth?+
Yes, Iowa allows patients to receive their medical marijuana certification through telemedicine. MMJ.com offers a 100% online process where you can complete your evaluation via secure video call from anywhere in Iowa. Our HIPAA-compliant platform connects you with state-licensed physicians who are authorized to certify patients for the State Medical Marijuana Program. The online process is identical in validity to an in-person visit—your certification will be accepted by all Iowa dispensaries.
How long is a Iowa medical marijuana card valid for?+
A Iowa medical marijuana card is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. To maintain uninterrupted access to medical cannabis, you should begin the renewal process approximately 30 days before expiration. MMJ.com offers streamlined renewal appointments at the same $149.99 rate. During your renewal, your physician will reassess your condition and provide a new certification for the state registry.
What medical conditions qualify for a medical marijuana card in Iowa?+
Iowa has approved the following conditions for medical marijuana certification: Cancer, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy/Seizures, Glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis, PTSD, Crohn's Disease, and several others. The full list includes over 12 qualifying conditions. If you have a chronic condition causing significant symptoms that haven't responded well to conventional treatments, you may qualify. Our physicians can evaluate conditions on a case-by-case basis, as many states allow certification for "conditions of the same kind or class" as those explicitly listed.
How long does it take to get a Iowa medical marijuana card?+
With MMJ.com, you can receive your physician certification on the same day as your appointment—often within 15-30 minutes of your telehealth visit. After you receive your certification, you'll need to register with the State Medical Marijuana Program. State processing times vary, but most patients receive their official card within Same-day certification available. Many Iowa dispensaries allow patients to shop with a valid certification while waiting for the physical card to arrive.
How much cannabis can I possess with a Iowa medical marijuana card?+
Iowa medical marijuana patients are legally allowed to possess Varies by physician recommendation. This limit is designed to provide patients with an adequate supply for their medical needs while preventing diversion. Your physician may recommend specific amounts based on your condition. Exceeding possession limits, even with a valid card, can result in legal penalties.
Can I grow my own marijuana at home in Iowa with a medical card?+
No, Iowa does not currently allow home cultivation of marijuana, even for registered medical patients. All medical cannabis must be purchased from state-licensed dispensaries. These dispensaries offer a variety of products including flower, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals—all tested for safety and potency.
Does Iowa accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards (reciprocity)?+
Check with your state for current reciprocity laws. If you're a Iowa resident traveling to another state, your Iowa card may be accepted in states with reciprocity agreements. States known to accept out-of-state cards include Nevada, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma (with additional fees), and Washington D.C. Always verify current laws before traveling with or purchasing medical cannabis in another state.
What happens during a Iowa medical marijuana evaluation?+
During your MMJ.com telehealth evaluation, you'll meet with a licensed Iowa physician via secure video call. The appointment typically lasts 10-20 minutes. Your doctor will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and previous treatments, explain how medical cannabis might help your condition, answer your questions, and—if you qualify—provide your official physician certification. There's no physical exam required. We recommend having your medical records available, though they're not always mandatory.
Can I use my Iowa medical marijuana card at any dispensary?+
Yes, your Iowa medical marijuana card is valid at all state-licensed dispensaries throughout Iowa. There are currently numerous licensed dispensaries operating in the state. You can visit any dispensary you choose—there's no requirement to register with a specific location. Many dispensaries offer online menus, pre-ordering, and delivery services for patient convenience.

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Last Updated: December 15, 2024 · Reviewed by MMJ.com Medical Advisory Team