"When I needed my medical marijuana certification, I turned to the Sanctuary. They made the entire process so easy and I was able to submit my registration to the DOH with no problem and, most importantly, no judgment. Thank you!"
How It Works
Medical marijuana is currently legal in the state of Iowa. Once you register with the state as a medical marijuana patient, you can purchase capsules, tinctures, lotions, and other cannabis products without having to worry about legal repercussions.
However, smoking marijuana remains illegal in Iowa, even if you have a medical cannabis card. Recreational marijuana is also illegal statewide, and cultivation and distribution are felony offenses.
Licensed patients may legally obtain up to 4.5 grams of THC every 90 days. In rare cases, exceptions are made when necessary to effectively treat someone's condition.
Driving under the influence of cannabis is against the law, even in states like Iowa where medical marijuana consumption is legal.
Patients must first obtain a written certification from a licensed physician in order to obtain an Iowa medical marijuana card. The doctor must certify that each patient has a qualifying condition for which medical marijuana would be beneficial.
Patients can then submit an application to the Iowa Department of Public Health after the physician has provided that written certification. A copy of the patient's ID, proof of residency, and the application fee must be submitted. Patients will receive their Iowa medical marijuana cards once their applications have been approved.
You can appoint a designated caregiver to submit an application on your behalf if you are under the age of 18 or otherwise unable to do so.
You will be able to purchase medical cannabis, THC products, and CBD products from licensed dispensaries in Iowa once you have obtained your medical marijuana card. Before allowing you to make a purchase, dispensaries must verify your medical marijuana card.
Patients who qualify for a medical cannabis card must have a "serious medical condition," according to the Medical Cannabis Act.
The following are state-approved conditions that qualify patients:
If you live in Iowa and want to get a medical cannabis card, you'll need to find a healthcare provider who is authorized to prescribe medical marijuana. On the Iowa Department of Public Health website, you can look up a list of licensed doctors.
You'll need to schedule an appointment for an evaluation once you've found a doctor who is authorized to prescribe medical marijuana. The doctor will assess your medical condition and determine whether medical marijuana would be an effective treatment option for you during the evaluation.
If your doctor decides that medical marijuana is an effective treatment option for you, they will write a recommendation for you to get a medical marijuana card. To get your medical marijuana card, you'll need to submit an application to the Iowa Department of Public Health, along with a doctor's recommendation.
If you’re looking to buy medical marijuana in Iowa, there are five dispensaries for you to choose from:
To learn more about the medical marijuana dispensaries in Iowa, click here.
To get an Iowa medical marijuana card, you'll need to fill out some paperwork and provide some basic information. Your name, date of birth, address, and phone number are all required pieces of information. You will also need to show proof of residency in Iowa, such as a driver's license issued by the state of Iowa or another form of identification.
The application form, a medical release form, and a notarized statement from your physician, also known as a healthcare practitioner certification form, are the forms you'll need to submit. Additional medical records relevant to your application may be requested by Iowa's medical cannabidiol program in some cases.
Some of the qualifying conditions for an Iowa MMJ card include:
Cancer
Multiple sclerosis
HIV/AIDS
Glaucoma
Tourette’s Syndrome
Crohn’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Cachexia
Terminal illness
Corticobasal degeneration
Epilepsy
Intractable autism with aggressive behaviors
Persistent muscle spasms
Severe wasting
Untreatable pain
Ulcerative colitis
A prospective Iowa medical marijuana patient would need to see a licensed medical marijuana physician in order to be certified. The doctor must certify that the patient suffers from one of the qualifying conditions listed in Iowa's Medical Cannabidiol Act.
An Iowa MMJ card will remain valid for one year after its date of issuance. Then its owner must renew it.
To apply for a medical marijuana card, you must live in Iowa.
There are several dispensaries throughout Iowa, so whether you live in Des Moines, Iowa City, or somewhere else, there's likely one close by. The best way to find a dispensary near you is to ask your local doctor or look for one online.
Medical marijuana patients in Iowa are only allowed to use medical cannabis at home. Even if you're a qualifying patient, possessing and using medical marijuana in any public place, including public transportation, is strictly prohibited.