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How to Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Iowa

In Iowa, a medical marijuana caregiver is an individual designated by a patient to assist with the use of medical marijuana. Caregivers play a vital role in helping patients access and manage their treatment safely and effectively.

 

Who Can Be a Caregiver

To qualify as a medical marijuana caregiver in Iowa:

  • You must be at least 18 years old.

  • You must be a resident of Iowa or a bordering state.

  • You must be designated by a patient’s healthcare practitioner as a necessary caretaker.

  • You cannot have a felony conviction.

 

These requirements ensure that caregivers are responsible, trusted individuals who can safely help patients manage their medical marijuana.

 

How to Register as a Caregiver

The registration process differs slightly depending on whether the patient is an adult or a minor.

 

For adult patients:

  • The patient must first submit their application to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

  • After the patient’s application is submitted, the caregiver can apply using the patient’s application number.

  • Required documents include:

    • Completed Primary Caregiver Application

    • Healthcare Practitioner Certification Form signed by the patient’s doctor

    • A valid photo ID (Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID, or a valid ID from a bordering state)

    • $25 application fee

  • Applications can be submitted online or by mail.

  • Once approved, the caregiver will receive a temporary caregiver card, followed by a permanent card mailed to their address.

 

For minor patients:

  • Minor patients do not need to submit their own application.

  • The caregiver submits their application with the required documents.

  • The $25 caregiver application fee is waived.

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Caregiver Responsibilities

Caregivers in Iowa are authorized to purchase medical marijuana on behalf of their designated patients from state-licensed dispensaries. They can also possess up to 4.5 grams of THC in a 90-day period for each patient and assist with the administration of medical cannabis.

 

It is important to note that caregivers are not permitted to cultivate marijuana for patients.

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