Whether you are planning to visit Iowa or you are a citizen of the state, you might be wondering if you can legally buy or possess marijuana in the state. This article will provide you with some information about the legal status of marijuana in the state.
Medical Marijuana
Medicinal marijuana is legal in Iowa for qualified patients. To get a medical cannabis card in the state, the patient must be certified by a physician. The doctor will fill out a Healthcare Practitioner Certification Form to prove that the patient has a qualifying condition.
The Iowa Department of Public Health keeps a list of participating physicians. If the doctor does not participate in the program, the patient can call the Department of Public Health to request information on a provider.
The Iowa medical cannabis program allows patients to purchase up to 4.5 grams of THC every 90 days. Medical cannabis patients who need more THC to treat their conditions, they can request a higher THC cap.
The law also gives an exception for terminally ill patients who need to use more THC than the cap allows. However, it is a misdemeanor to smoke or consume marijuana in a public place. It is a felony to sell marijuana to a minor near a park or school. A fine can range from $500 to $10,000 and a prison sentence can be as long as 10 years.
Recreational Marijuana
Despite the fact that marijuana is still illegal in Iowa, a majority of the state’s residents are supporting the legalization of recreational cannabis. According to a recent poll conducted by the Des Moines Register, 54 percent of the people surveyed supported the idea. This is the same number that supports the legalization of medical cannabis.
The legalization of marijuana is also a hot topic in neighboring states. Missouri, for instance, has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. Minnesota has also decriminalized simple possession. This trend is catching on across the country.
As a result, elected officials in Iowa are making a push to get marijuana legalized. In February, Democratic House leader Jennifer Konfrst told the Des Moines Register that the issue is “ready for prime time.” She said that she and other elected officials are “working to break the silence on marijuana legalization in Iowa.”
Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City introduced a bill in the Iowa legislature that would have allowed adults to legally buy and possess small amounts of marijuana. He says that the state would receive 60 to 100 million dollars in revenue from the sale of recreational marijuana. In addition, he says that the legislation would create 4,000 to 5,000 jobs in the state.
Hemp
Currently, Iowa is illegal to cultivate, grow, or distribute marijuana. In addition, possession of a joint or dab pen is illegal. If you are caught, you can be fined $1,000 and face up to six months in jail.
Medical Cannabidiol (CBD) was legalized in Iowa in 2014. This type of cannabinoid has been used to treat patients with chronic pain, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. It is now legal for patients to buy CBD products from state-licensed dispensaries. However, the law does not permit the use of cannabis flowers. The only way to purchase this product is to get a recommendation from a licensed neurologist.
In June of 2020, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed HF 2589, which expanded the medical marijuana program. The new law added qualifying conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, and Crohn’s disease.
Penalties for Possession Without a Prescription
Currently, possession of marijuana in Iowa is illegal. This includes both cultivation and distribution. The law carries severe penalties.
Those charged with possession of marijuana are subject to fines, incarceration, and a substance abuse evaluation. If convicted, they may be sentenced to a minimum of two years in prison and up to five years. If the offense involves a minor, the penalties increase. In addition, if the marijuana was sold, the seller could be arrested.
The first time someone is caught possessing marijuana, they will face a misdemeanor charge. If the offense is a second time, the felony charge will apply. Those convicted of a felony will face a fine of up to $6250. There are additional penalties if the offense occurred in a school zone.
Buying Marijuana
Buying marijuana is legal in Iowa, but the laws are extremely restrictive. Only licensed dispensaries are allowed to sell medicinal cannabis products. For patients to purchase cannabis products, they must be registered with the state and carry a medical marijuana card.
The first time you visit an Iowa dispensary, you’ll be required to fill out an intake form. Then, a consultant will review your medical history and recommend the appropriate dosage. You’ll be given a patient ID number to use when ordering your cannabis products.
If you’re a certified patient, you’ll be permitted to buy 4.5 grams of THC every 90 days. This is a relatively small amount of cannabis, but some patients may need more than a gram to treat their condition.
You’ll also have to pay a tax stamp. This is equivalent to a $3.5/gram stamp. Once you have your tax stamp, you can place it on your container of cannabis.
