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Is weed legal in Iowa? Understanding the legislation in the state is essential. Medicinal use is legal in Iowa, but recreational consumption isn’t.
Read on as we unpack the details, including cultivation, consumption, and possession. We also highlight the qualifying medical conditions and acceptable cannabis forms.
History of cannabis legalization in Iowa
In 2017, Iowa legalized weed for medicinal users through the Medical Cannabidiol Act. Patients could purchase, possess, and consume products with CBD and no more than 3% THC.
Attempts to allow higher THC levels of up to 25 grams over 90 days were vetoed. In 2020, Gov. Reynolds signed Bill HF 2589. It made way for a longer list of qualifying medical conditions. It also changed the previous allowance to 4.5 grams of THC every 90 days.
In the 2022 legislative session, three state senators made a proposal. They wanted weed legalization in Iowa to be left in the hands of voters. Senate Judiciary Chair Brad Zaun didn’t even allow a committee vote for their proposal.
Political consultant Brad Knott launched a “Free the Weed Iowa” campaign. In 2022, the organization held the Campaign for Sensible Cannabis Laws at Des Moines. There’s hope that laws will change in the near future if the state leaves legalization to voters.
Is weed legal in Iowa?
Iowa’s cannabis laws are complex. Let’s unpack each aspect, including medicinal and recreational use. We also look at possession, cultivation, and consumption.
Medicinal use
Weed is legal in Iowa for medicinal use. It limits patients to 4.5 grams of THC every 90 days. To become a registered patient, adults need a physician’s certification recommending weed.
The state charges a $100 application fee, which is around $25 for people with disabilities. Social Security income proof or Iowa Medicaid enrollment could also grant reduced costs.
Medical weed is legal in Iowa, but only for certain illnesses. Here are the qualifying conditions:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Chronic pain
- Severe autism (with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors)
- Cancer (if it causes cachexia, vomiting, wasting, nausea, or severe or chronic pain)
- Terminal illness with a life expectancy of under one year if it causes cachexia, vomiting, nausea, chronic pain, or wasting.
- Corticobasal degeneration
- Seizures
- AIDS/HIV
- Crohn’s disease
Recreational use
Under Iowa law, marijuana is a Schedule I hallucinogenic. Personal use marijuana isn’t legal in Iowa and is severely punished. Many advocates have attempted to legalize or decriminalize it with no success.
The law considers chronic personal use an abuse. Multiple offenses could land you in rehab after serving your sentence.
Possession
Only medical marijuana is legal in Iowa, so only medicinal users may possess it. The law doesn’t allow it in the form of flower and edibles. Registered medicinal marijuana patients may access:
- Suppositories
- Tablets and capsules
- Nebulized, inhalable cannabis
- Vaporized forms
- Topicals
You’re not allowed to possess cannabis for personal use. First-time offenders found with any amount can expect up to six months in prison and a fine of $1,000.
A second offense is met with up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $2,560. The law considers a third offense as an aggravated misdemeanor. The state penalizes offenders with up to two years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $2,560.
Cultivation
The Iowa weed legalization makes cultivation illegal, even for registered patients.
Growing less than 110 pounds of cannabis buds could land you in prison for five years. You could also receive a fine between $750 and $7,500.
Cultivation of between 110–220 pounds is a conviction charge. You could get up to 10 years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $50,000.
Growing cannabis plants between 220–2200 pounds is a serious offense. Perpetrators will face up to 25 years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000.
Consumption
The law treats the recreational consumption of cannabis seriously. It punishes defectors similar to possession. They may face both jail time and hefty fines.
Medicinal cannabis consumption is legal, but the law isn’t specific about where. Consuming products on the premises of a manufacturing facility or dispensary is illegal. Iowa’s legislation doesn’t specifically address public use.
Restrictions and limits
Cannabis is legal in Iowa for medicinal use only. There are still many restrictions and limits. Let’s unpack them.
How many grams of weed can I possess in Iowa?
With an MMJ card, you can purchase up to 4.5 grams of THC products every 90 days. Cannabis buds and edibles are illegal.
Can I grow cannabis in Iowa?
You can’t grow cannabis in the Hawkeye State. You can buy cannabis seeds in Iowa, but only for souvenir purposes. Until they legalize weed in Iowa, you can’t germinate seeds or cultivate buds.
Is recreational marijuana legal in Iowa?
Recreational marijuana is not legal in Iowa. This state has a mandatory minimum sentence law for personal use. The minimum sentence for recreational marijuana is six months of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000.
Where can I buy cannabis seeds legally in Iowa?
Buying and owning cannabis seeds is legal in Iowa, but you won’t have the best luck finding them at local retailers. They won’t have a selection of seeds like you would find online.
Our Seed Supreme bank is the ideal place to purchase cannabis seeds in the USA. We have a wide range of exciting cultivars to choose from, including the newest strains on the market.
You can’t grow weed seeds in Iowa, but you can keep them for souvenir reasons. Be the first to cultivate plants if weed becomes legal in Iowa.
Key takeaways
In 2020, the state legalized cannabis for medicinal users. Recreational use is illegal. The minimum sentence for possession is six months of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Advocates are fighting for the legalization of weed in Iowa, but most leaders are against it. There are three 420-friendly states surrounding Iowa. There’s hope there may be a push for recreational use or, at the very least, decriminalization.
While cultivation is illegal, you can still buy the most potent seeds legally. As long as you don’t grow them, cannabis seeds are legal for souvenir purposes.
Frequently asked questions
Let’s look at some common questions about cannabis laws in Iowa.
Is delta-8 legal in Iowa?
Delta-8 is illegal in Iowa even though it’s federally legal at a level of 0.3% THC or less. This compound is extracted from hemp and plants grown from CBD seeds.
How strict is Iowa on weed?
Iowa is extremely strict on weed-related crimes. A first offense with any amount of weed lands you in jail for a minimum of six months and a fine of up to $1,000. Iowa may be legalizing weed soon, but until then, avoid consuming weed for personal use.
