With each state changing their laws on cannabis every year, it can be difficult to keep up. We wanted to provide you with all of the information and changes to the Iowa Marijuana Laws all in one place. Learn more about the laws below!

Status: Mixed

Decriminalized: No

Medical: CBD Oil

Medical Cannabis Expansion Vetoed by Governor Reynolds

Earlier this year, before Iowa’s session adjourned, legislation passed a bill to expand the medical cannabis program. Unfortunately the bill was vetoed by Kim Reynolds.

HF-732: This bill would have removed the .3% cap on medical cannabis products, and would institute a limit on marijuana every 90 days to 25 grams. This bill would have also allowed physicians, and nurse practitioners to recommend medical marijuana. Finally, the bill would have changed the definition on what kind of pain would qualify you for your medical card.

Medical Cannabis Sales Begin

In December of 2018, the first dispensary in Iowa opened to the public. The Windsor based dispensary MedPharm, would start to sell low-THC oil to patients that qualify for the program. This dispensary will only sell medical oil that has less than .3% THC.

While most believe this reform is a victory for patients, the seriously ill patients in Iowa are still getting left behind. Many of the patients need higher doses of THC in order to provide relief from their pain. Unfortunately, this program needs adjusted to help those who need stronger medication for their conditions.

Iowa Laws on Cannabis

Iowa has some of the harshest marijuana laws in the country. If you are caught, for the first time, with a single joint, you could be thrown in jail up to 6 months, and pay a fine around $1000. This first time offense makes the charges the worst in the entire country.

In 2015, the legislation approved to protect patients taking medical cannabis from prosecution or arrests. In addition, they wanted to reduce sentencing for possessing cannabis to 5 grams and 30 days in jail, which would have been a major improvement compared to what they deal with now. Sadly, Iowa’s House failed to pass this bill.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Iowa Marijuana Laws!

Learn more state laws