If you’re visiting this page, you’re likely wanting to know is weed legal in Iowa? With the US states changing their cannabis laws frequently, it can be difficult to keep up.
In this article, we aim to provide you with Iowa marijuana legalization information all in the one place, so you can know more about the status of cannabis within the state. Read on to find out more!
A summary of Iowa marijuana laws
Decriminalized: No
Legalized: No
Medical: CBD oil
Is recreational marijuana legal in Iowa?
So, is weed legal in Iowa for recreational use? As of August 2023, the answer is no. In fact, Iowa has some of the harshest penalties for recreational weed use in the entire United States. For example, if a person is caught with any amount of weed, as a first offense, they could be sentenced to 6 months in prison, and be required to pay a fine of $1,000.
This penalty increases with the number of offenses that occur. So, with a second offense, a person could face up to 1 year in prison and a maximum fine of $2,560. Upon a third offense, a person could be sentenced to two years in prison and given a maximum fine of $8,540. Each of these offenses are considered misdemeanors. Those that are considered chronic users of marijuana may also be sent to rehabilitation.
Distribution or cultivation of marijuana in Iowa attracts larger sentences and fines. It also counts as a felony offense. An example of this is that the cultivation or distribution of 50kg or less of marijuana attracts a maximum prison sentence of 5 years with a maximum fine of $7,500. Working on a sliding scale, the cultivation or distribution of more than 1000kg of marijuana can mean an incarceration of up to 50 years and a $1,000,000 fine.
The manufacturing, possession, or distribution of marijuana paraphernalia can also attract a misdemeanor offense, with up to 6 months incarceration and a maximum fine of $1,000. In Iowa, a person can also get into legal trouble for promoting, sponsoring, or assisting with a gathering where cannabis will be distributed, possessed, or used. This offense can attract up to a year of incarceration and a maximum fine of $2,560.
In the state of Iowa, cannabis is classed as a schedule I hallucinogenic substance.
Is medical marijuana legal in Iowa?
The answer to is medical weed legal in Iowa is, yes! In April 2014, Senate Bill 2360 was passed, which allows for the use and possession of cannabidiol with less than 3% tetrahydrocannabinol for treating intractable epilepsy. In these circumstances, a written recommendation must be given by a neurologist, and the cannabidiol must be obtained via a source out of state.
Maijuana can be used by those with a number of different medical conditions, including (but not limited to):
- Chronic pain
- Seizures
- Cancer – where either the illness or treatment of the illness produces one or more of the following: nausea or severe vomiting, cachexia or severe wasting, or severe or chronic pain
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple Sclerosis with severe and persistent muscle spasms
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Any terminal illness where the probably life expectancy is less than a year and the illness or treatment of the illness produces one or more of the following: nausea or severe vomiting, cachexia or severe wasting, or severe or chronic pain
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- HIV or AIDS (as defined in Iowa Code, section 141A.1)
- Ulcerative colitis
- Severe, intractable autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors
- Severe, intractable pediatric autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors
- Corticobasal Degeneration
This law was expanded with the Medical Cannabidiol Act in May 2017, which allowed a wider range of diseases for treatment. This bill also allowed for the establishment of a maximum of two state-licensed medical cannabis manufacturers within the state.
In June of 2020, the Act was expanded to add further qualifying conditions for patients to the list, including those with post traumatic stress disorder, and “severe, intractable autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors”. It also changed the maximum THC amount able to be given to patients from 3% to 4.5 grams per patient in a 90 day period.
Do you need a card for medical marijuana in Iowa?
A medical card is a requirement for the consumption of marijuana within the state of Iowa. This card is issued by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and is valid for one year from the date of issue. In order to renew a medical cannabis registration card, a patient will need to get in touch with their healthcare practitioner who can recertify their condition, submit the correct forms to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and then provide the required payment.
Does Iowa have a dispensary?
As of August 2023, Iowa has five medical marijuana dispensaries. These are:
- Bud & Mary’s – 7239 Apple Valley Drive, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
- Bud & Mary’s – 5700 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City, IA 51106
- Iowa Cannabis Company – 1955 La Porte Road, Waterloo, IA 50702
- Iowa Cannabis Company East – 322 Highway 1 W, Iowa City, IA 52245
- Iowa Cannabis Company West – 3615 9th Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
What form of marijuana is legal in Iowa?
As of August 2023, the only form of cannabis legal in Iowa is medical marijuana in the form of CBD oil.
Can personal marijuana plants be grown for medical use in Iowa?
No, Iowa does not allow the growing of personal marijuana plants for medical use.
Can out-of-state medical marijuana patients use their medication in Iowa?
Yes, out-of-state medical marijuana patients are able to use their medication within the state of Iowa. However, in order for this to be legal, patients must have a valid medical cannabidiol registration card that has been issued under their state’s laws, and the products being used and consumed must meet all of Iowa’s laws and requirements.
Potential upcoming changes to Iowa marijuana laws
As of August 2023, there has been no progress made towards the legalization of recreational cannabis in Iowa. However, senate bill SF73 was introduced in February 2023, which, if passed, would legalize the regulated sale and possession of marijuana for both residents and non-residents of the state aged 21 years or older. This bill would allow adult residents over the age of 21 to purchase or possess up to 30g of marijuana flower, up to 500mg of THC within a product infused with marijuana, and up to 5g of concentrate. Those that are not residents of Iowa will also need to be 21 years of age or older. Non-residents may purchase and possess half the total amount of legal residents. It’s worth noting this bill has not yet been passed, so these laws do not currently apply within the state of Iowa.
We hope this article has been helpful in answering the question “is weed legal in Iowa?”. Iowa marijuana laws are strict, and harsh penalties can be incurred if a person is found to be in possession of it. However, recent years have shown potential for progress towards medical and recreational legalization, with Medical Cannabidiol Act allowing for possession and use by those with a number of conditions.
If you have any further questions regarding cannabis regulation in Iowa, please contact your local officials or lawyer. Being up to date on the latest Iowa marijuana laws can help to ensure that you stay on the right side of the law.
We advise everyone to abide by the laws in their state, and for those visiting Iowa, to be aware of its cannabis laws prior to traveling there. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information presented here is accurate and up-to-date, it’s important to understand that marijuana laws are subject to change. For this reason, it’s always best to double check with your local officials or a lawyer for the most up-to-date information on marijuana use in Iowa. This will help you ensure that you stay compliant with all of the state’s marijuana laws and regulations.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Iowa marijuana laws.
