Get your medical marijuana card in Iowa online

In Iowa, registered patients of the Medical Cannabidiol Program, holding a valid Medical Cannabidiol Card, are permitted to possess a specific quantity of medical cannabis. Patients can have up to 4.5 grams of total THC within a 90-day period.

Exceptions: This limit does not apply to patients diagnosed with a terminal illness or those for whom their healthcare practitioners have determined that greater quantities of THC are necessary to adequately address the patient’s debilitating medical condition.

The exact amount of THC allowable over a 90-day period will be specified by the patient’s original certifying healthcare practitioner in the 4.5g THC Waiver Form. The patient must upload this completed waiver, certified by the practitioner, to their Iowa OMC Application.

Approved Medical Administration Methods:

• Nebulizable: Used in a nebulizer, converting liquid medication into a breathable mist.
• Oral: This encompasses capsules, liquids, tablets, and tinctures.
• Sublingual: Medication placed under the tongue for absorption.
• Suppositories: Both rectal and vaginal administration.
• Topical forms: Including creams, gels, lotions, ointments, and transdermal patches.
• Vaporizable (Vapes): Inhalable forms via vaporization.

No flower (loose leaf, “joints,” etc.) or THC-infused edibles (“gummies,” chocolates, etc.) are allowed.

Currently, personal cannabis cultivation, even for medicinal reasons, is prohibited in Iowa. All medical cannabis products should be sourced from state-sanctioned dispensaries. This regulation is strict: even cultivating one plant without the necessary license may lead to criminal penalties, including substantial fines and potential imprisonment.

A primary caregiver in Iowa is a designated individual by a registered patient to help with their medical cannabis treatment. This role comes with specific duties:

• Age requirement: Caregivers must be at least 18 unless they’re a parent or guardian of a minor patient.
• Application: They need to apply and be approved by the state to become an official caregiver.
• Purchase and possession: Caregivers can buy and possess medical cannabis for the patient. However, they must stick to the possession limits set for the patient.
• No personal use: Caregivers are not permitted to use the medical cannabis they acquire for the patient. It’s strictly for the patient’s use.
• Multiple patients: If a caregiver tends to more than one patient, they must maintain separate stock and adhere strictly to each patient’s possession limits.

Steps to Become a Caregiver:

• Be named on the practicing physician’s form as the primary caregiving individual.
• Complete the Online Caregiver Registration application.
• Submit the application and pay a non-refundable fee of $25.
• The Office of Medical Cannabidiol will review and send you an email once you’re approved — this email will contain a temporary card, and a permanent one will be dispatched at the address provided with their application thereafter.

Dr. Weedy recognizes the significance of providing equal access to medical cannabis treatment for people with disabilities in Iowa. The aim is to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all patients, including those with disabilities.

The online platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible for individuals with disabilities. A high priority is placed on web accessibility standards, ensuring everyone can easily navigate the website and take the necessary steps to obtain medical marijuana recommendations.

The state also offers convenient conditions for cannabis product usage:

• Accommodations at dispensaries: State-approved dispensaries are mandated to comply with ADA guidelines, ensuring easy access for patients facing mobility issues.
• Delivery options: Some dispensaries provide delivery services, making sure patients with mobility limitations can get their medications without complications.
• Caregiver assistance: Patients with disabilities have the option to designate a primary caregiver to help them in obtaining and administering medical cannabis.

In Iowa, veterans can also apply for a medical marijuana card as long as they meet the qualifying conditions and other requirements. Veterans can use medical marijuana treatment for physical and mental health conditions. They can apply and use cannabis treatment like other patients.

• As long as they meet the qualifying medical conditions, veterans can apply for a medical marijuana card. The application process is the same as that for other patients.
• Under federal law, marijuana is a Schedule One controlled substance. As provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, marijuana is illegal in the eyes of the federal government. But, veterans will not be denied VA benefits because of marijuana use.
• VA doctors cannot sign medical marijuana certifications and the VA does not provide marijuana or pay for it. What’s more, veterans can’t use marijuana on VA grounds as this is considered federal property.
• Iowa defers to federal laws on firearms possession and according to the Gun Control Act of 1968, users of controlled substances are prohibited from possessing firearms.

At Dr. Weedy, we are dedicated to supporting veterans that require medical marijuana treatment. We proudly provide exclusive discounts to veterans that require a medical marijuana certification, offering the opportunity to receive quality and affordable care. Learn more about our veteran’s discount program here.

If you’re visiting Iowa from another state, you might be wondering if you can purchase medical marijuana with your own card. A reciprocity program allows individuals from other states to purchase medical cannabis products despite being non-residents in Iowa. The state of Iowa allows reciprocity, which means medical marijuana patients with valid cards from other states can possess and use medical marijuana. But, they cannot purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries in Iowa.

What’s more, Iowa medical cannabis cardholders can purchase and use medical marijuana when they travel to other states. But, their qualifying medical condition must be on the visiting state’s approved list of qualifying conditions. The states involved in medical marijuana reciprocity include:

• Arizona
• Hawaii
• Maine 
• Nevada
• Oklahoma 
• Washington DC
• Arkansas 
• Louisiana 
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• Rhode Island 
• Utah
• Minnesota
• New Hampshire

Although medical cannabis is legal in Iowa, there are no employment protections for users in the workplace. There is no law that is mandating employers to accommodate medical cannabis users. The drug testing law also permits employers to test all employees and job seekers for cannabis. If the test result is positive, the employer is permitted to deny the applicant or terminate the employee’s appointment.

Employers can also implement policies that restrict marijuana use by employees, like prohibiting the consumption, display and possession of cannabis. Employers can enforce a drug-free workplace policy.

Still, an employee’s medical cannabis card will not show up on a background check in Iowa. This means that applicants can keep their marijuana use a secret. All information related to marijuana use is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and will not be picked up during background checks.

The annual fee for a medical cannabidiol card is $100 unless the patient is eligible for a reduced fee. The reduced application fee is $25 once you submit the copies of the proof of Supplemental Security Income Payment, Social Security Disability Benefit notice, Hawk-1 member card and Iowa Medicaid member card.

When applying for a medical marijuana card in Iowa, you need a healthcare practitioner certification form signed by a certified doctor, a copy of your photo ID (a valid Iowa driver’s license OR a valid Iowa non-operator identification card), a completed adult patient application, and payment for the application fee. To get a discount on the fee, you need to submit a proof of receipt of Supplemental Security Income payment, Hawk-1 member card, Social Security Disability Benefit notice or an Iowa Medicaid member card. If your certifying physician recommends using additional THC beyond the 4.5 grams per 90-day limit or you are certified for a terminal illness, you are required to submit the 4.5g THC Waiver Form.

You can buy medical marijuana at five dispensaries across the state of Iowa. You can check the list of dispensaries in the state.

No, you cannot grow your own cannabis in Iowa. Iowa prohibits the cultivation of marijuana, and only licensed growers are allowed to cultivate and process cannabis.