{"id":1238,"date":"2019-08-04T18:35:34","date_gmt":"2019-08-04T18:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.medicalmarijuanainc.com\/?p=3429"},"modified":"2019-08-04T18:35:34","modified_gmt":"2019-08-04T18:35:34","slug":"iowa-marijuana-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medicalmarijuanainc.com\/2019\/08\/04\/iowa-marijuana-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"Iowa Marijuana Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated March 2020<\/em><\/p>\n

While adult-use marijuana is still outlawed in Iowa, penalties for possession are relatively relaxed compared to many other states. Iowa has yet to establish a comprehensive medical marijuana law or decriminalize recreational use, but did pass a low-THC medical cannabis law in 2014. Learn more about Iowa marijuana laws below.<\/p>\n

Recreational Marijuana in Iowa<\/h3>\n

Possession of any amount of recreational marijuana in Iowa is a misdemeanor. First-time offenders can be jailed for 6 months and forced to pay a maximum fine of $1,000. Second and third possession offenses are also charged as misdemeanors, with incarceration of 1 year and 2 years and a maximum fine of $1875 and $6250, respectively. Possession penalties are also levied on individuals who are found with marijuana within 1,000 feet of a public park, elementary school, secondary school, or a school bus.<\/p>\n

Offenders who are found to be chronic marijuana abusers may be sent for rehabilitation. If they successfully complete the program, the court can place them on probation.<\/p>\n

Sale and distribution of any quantity of marijuana is a felony punishable by jail terms ranging from 5 years to 10 years and fines ranging from $7500 to $100,000. The state of Iowa has minimum mandatory sentences of up to 10 years for individuals who distribute marijuana to minors.<\/p>\n

Medical Marijuana in Iowa<\/h3>\n

Medical use of marijuana is currently illegal in Iowa, punishable by the same penalties as recreational marijuana. The state does have in place, however, a low-THC cannabis program.<\/p>\n

State lawmakers in 2014 originally only approved cannabis oil containing up to 3% THC for patients diagnosed with intractable epilepsy. Since then, Iowa’s medical marijuana program has gradually expanded to include more qualifying conditions. In November 2019, the Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Board approved a recommendation<\/a> to remove the 3 percent cap on THC and replace it with a purchase limit of 4.5 grams of products containing THC over 90 days. The THC limits’ removal still needs to be approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor to take effect.<\/p>\n

To qualify as a patient for Iowa\u2019s medical program, a patient must be able to prove permanent Iowa residency and provide physician certification.<\/p>\n

Iowa’s law allows low-THC medical cannabis for the following qualifying medical conditions:<\/p>\n