Iowa Marijuana Laws
Iowa marijuana laws have changed a lot in recent years as the state’s attitudes toward medical cannabis have softened. However, there are still strict Iowa cannabis laws in relation to possessing marijuana or using even a small amount of marijuana for recreational purposes. This guide will cover all you need to know about Iowa medical marijuana laws.
Is Marijuana Legal in Iowa?
At this time, marijuana legalization in Iowa has progressed to allow for some medicinal usage of cannabis and CBD products with low amounts (3% or less) of THC. However, in general, Iowa marijuana law forbids any recreational use of marijuana and any other use or possession of marijuana that contains THC levels in excess of 3%.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal?
Generally speaking, medical marijuana usage is not permitted in Iowa. However, medical cannabis laws in Iowa have evolved in recent years. In the past, it was completely impossible to use any kind of cannabis products for medicinal purposes in this state. However, in 2014, a new bill came into action that legalized the use of CBD oil.
Then, in 2017, Iowa introduced an expanded Medical Cannabidiol Act to make CBD available for more people with various conditions, like cancer and HIV. In 2020, the act expanded even further, opening CBD access up to even more patients and adjusting the rules regarding how much THC patients can receive. Because of this, it’s still not technically possible to use cannabis flowers for medicinal purposes in Iowa, but it is possible for some patients to receive CBD oil to soothe their symptoms.
Patients who are interested in using CBD oil for medicinal purposes in Iowa must meet certain requirements, including obtaining a recommendation from a qualified medical marijuana doctor. These doctors can evaluate the patient’s condition and determine if CBD oil is an appropriate treatment option.
Is Recreational Marijuana Legal?
No, Iowa cannabis laws are clear on this matter: recreational usage of cannabis is completely illegal in the state of Iowa.
The History of Marijuana Laws in Iowa
Iowa has an interesting history in regard to its marijuana laws. The drug was prohibited back in the 1920s, and attempts were first made to legalize it as early as the 1970s. These attempts mostly failed, but some medical usage of marijuana was briefly allowed from 1979 through to 1981.
Iowa marijuana law then remained dormant until 2014, when new legalization attempts began. Attempts were made to both legalize CBD oil and decriminalize the act of possessing marijuana. The CBD attempts succeeded, but the decriminalization attempts failed. Since then, the CBD act has been expanded and improved, but the state’s firm stance on actual marijuana usage has not really changed, and no other new laws have been passed.
Iowa Marijuana Laws
Next, we’ll see how Iowa marijuana laws treat the likes of possession and purchase of marijuana, as well as home cultivation and consumption.
Possession & Purchase
Possession of marijuana in the state of Iowa is punishable as a misdemeanor, with sentences of up to six months behind bars and a fine of up to $1,000 if the marijuana in question was for personal use. Repeat offenders or those who possess large amounts of marijuana with intent to sell to others could face much larger sentences.
How Much Can I Buy and Possess?
It is not possible to buy or possess any amount of marijuana in the state of Iowa. The only cannabis-related products that you are legally allowed to buy are CBD products, as long as you have a qualifying medical condition.
Where Can I Obtain Cannabis?
It is not legal to buy cannabis in the state of Iowa. There are no official cannabis dispensaries in this state, but you can buy CBD products from certain retailers or online.
Who Can Legally Purchase Cannabis in Iowa?
Nobody is allowed to purchase marijuana in Iowa.
Home Cultivation
The cultivation of marijuana is a felony in Iowa and can be punished with fines and jail time.
Reciprocity
Iowa does not have any reciprocity in terms of cannabis laws from other states.
Consumption
Iowa marijuana laws do not allow for the consumption of cannabis.
Where Can I Safely Consume Cannabis?
Since it is illegal to consume cannabis in Iowa, there are no safe or legal places to consume this drug anywhere in the state.
Qualifying Patients
According to Iowa marijuana law, it’s not possible to access medical marijuana, even if you have a condition that could be soothed or improved with the use of this drug. However, you can access CBD products like CBD oil with less than 3% THC via the Medical Cannabidiol Program if you are certified to have one of the following conditions:
- Cancer
- Seizures
- Crohn’s disease
- Chronic pain
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- HIV/AIDs
- ALS
- Parkinson’s
- PTSD
- Ulcerative colitis
- Severe autism
- Corticobasal degeneration
- Any terminal illness with an estimated life expectancy of 1 year or less
Transportation
It is illegal to transport marijuana in the state of Iowa since any possession of marijuana is illegal in this state.
Driving
It is illegal to drive after consuming marijuana in the state of Iowa or to have any cannabis in your car.
Expungement
There are certain pieces of legislation that could allow for the expungement of prior offenses regarding possession or transportation of marijuana in Iowa, but these are subject to House approval and are not yet in place.
How to Obtain a Medical Card?
It’s not yet possible to get an Iowa medical marijuana card as this state doesn’t allow for medical marijuana usage.
As we can see, Iowa still has very strict laws regarding any form of marijuana purchase or usage, although the state’s attitudes towards CBD have relaxed a lot in recent years, providing some comfort to those with medical conditions that may be aided by cannabidiol.
