Iowa Cannabis Laws
Legal — Medical OnlyIowa has a limited medical cannabidiol program established in 2014 and expanded in 2017 and 2020. The program allows qualified patients to purchase products with up to 4.5g total THC per 90-day period. Recreational cannabis is illegal.
Last updated: January 15, 2026
Quick Facts
| Minimum Age | 18+ (medical only) |
| Purchase Limits (Rec) | N/A — Not legal |
| Purchase Limits (Med) | 4.5g total THC per 90-day period |
| Delivery Allowed | No |
| Home Growing | Not allowed. |
| Public Consumption | Prohibited. Medical cannabis products may only be consumed privately. |
| ID Requirements | Iowa medical cannabidiol registration card, Government-issued photo ID |
| Tourist Rules | Iowa does not recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards. Visitors cannot purchase cannabis. |
| Penalties | First offense possession of any amount is a serious misdemeanor (up to 6 months, $1,000 fine). Subsequent offenses are aggravated misdemeanors (up to 2 years, $6,250 fine). |
| Tax Info | Medical cannabis is subject to standard 6% state sales tax. |
Medical Cannabis Program
Qualifying Conditions
Cancer, MS, seizures, AIDS/HIV, Crohn's, ALS, Parkinson's, untreatable pain, PTSD, Tourette's, and severe pediatric autism.
How to Get a Card
Patients must be certified by an Iowa-licensed health care practitioner and register with the Iowa Department of Public Health. Cards are valid for 1 year.
Medical Cannabis in Iowa
Iowa's medical cannabidiol program is one of the more restrictive in the country. While it has expanded over the years, the 4.5g total THC limit per 90-day period significantly restricts what patients can purchase. Smokable flower is not permitted.
The state has 5 licensed dispensaries operated by two manufacturers, with locations in Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Waterloo, Des Moines, and Davenport.
Next steps: compare dispensaries in Iowa, how to find a licensed dispensary, what to bring to a dispensary, and browse all state cannabis pages.
Official License Lookup
Verify a dispensary's license on the official Iowa website:
Visit Iowa Cannabis RegulatorRelated Content
Disclaimer: Cannabis laws change frequently. This information was last updated on January 15, 2026. Always verify current laws with official state sources. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.