Why do I need an Iowa medical marijuana card?

An Iowa medical marijuana card shows that your name has been added to the Iowa medical marijuana registry by a licensed Iowa physician and that the patient is a legal Iowa registered medical marijuana patient. With this card, you can: 1. Buy marijuana from dispensaries in the state of Iowa 2. Possess marijuana and marijuana products in the state of Iowa 3. Consume marijuana and marijuana products in the state of Iowa

Do I qualify for medical marijuana in the state of Iowa?

Iowa's Department of Health has approved a number of qualifying conditions that allow patients to access medical marijuana in Iowa. The qualifying conditions identified by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services include: Cancer (if the illness or its treatment produces severe or chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, cachexia or severe wasting), Seizures, Crohn's disease, Chronic pain, Multiple Sclerosis with severe and persistent muscle spasms, AIDS or HIV, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Any terminal illness with a probable life expectancy of under one year, Ulcerative colitis, Severe intractable pediatric autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors, Severe intractable autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors, and Corticobasal Degeneration.

Am I guaranteed to get approved for medical marijuana after my appointment?

We can't guarantee approval for anyone, as the doctor is the only person that makes the determination whether or not a patient qualifies. To make it more likely that you receive approval from the doctor, we recommend that you bring as much information as possible to your appointment regarding your medical condition and past treatments. However, you do not have to worry as the entire cost of an appointment will be a nominal flat fee if you, for whatever reason, are not approved by the doctor.

When will I receive my identification card?

Patients will receive their identification card within 1 week of application, if their application is approved.

What is the cost of an Iowa medical marijuana card?

We believe cost shouldn't be a barrier. We offer payment options, including monthly plans and discounts for veterans and referrals. After your first appointment, follow-ups are free for 12 months.

Will my insurance or Medicaid cover the cost of medical marijuana?

Right now, insurance and Medicaid don't cover medical marijuana costs. It's always a good idea to check with your provider for the latest updates.

Can minors get a medical marijuana card?

Yes, minors are allowed to get a medical card but they must have a designated caregiver. The parent or legal guardian will apply for the card on behalf of the patient, and once the card is issued, the parent or legal guardian will then apply to be the designated caregiver. The minor will not be issued a card, only the caregiver will.

How long does an Iowa medical marijuana card last?

An Iowa medical marijuana card is valid for one year from the date of issuance. You will need to renew your card annually by scheduling a follow-up appointment with a licensed Iowa physician before your card expires. It's recommended to start the renewal process at least 30 days before your expiration date to ensure continuous access to medical marijuana.

Can I use my Iowa medical marijuana card in other states?

Iowa does not currently have reciprocity agreements with other states, which means your Iowa medical marijuana card is only valid within Iowa. However, some states do recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. If you're traveling, it's important to research the specific laws of the state you're visiting, as medical marijuana laws vary significantly from state to state.

What forms of medical marijuana are available in Iowa?

Iowa allows several forms of medical marijuana products including oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and other manufactured forms. The state does not permit smoking or vaping of raw plant material. All products must be purchased from state-licensed dispensaries and contain no more than 4.5 grams of THC per 90-day supply. Products are available in various CBD to THC ratios to meet different patient needs.

Marijuana and Insurance Coverage in Iowa: Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Your Medicine?

Isabella Romo
Apr 6
4 min read

Updated: Apr 17

Don’t miss important updates about Iowa’s marijuana program. Subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest straight to your email!

If you are an active medical marijuana patient or considering marijuana as part of your treatment plan in Iowa, you may be curious about how health insurance comes into play. One of the most common questions patients ask is whether their health insurance will help pay for their medicine, but at this point, insurance does not cover marijuana. This includes both Medicare and Medicaid, as well as private insurance plans.

Understanding why coverage is not available can help you better plan for the costs and know what to expect as a patient.

Why Medicare and Medicaid Do Not Cover Marijuana

The reason insurance does not cover marijuana comes down to federal law. Marijuana is still classified as a federally restricted substance. Because of this classification, federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid do not recognize it as an approved medication.

For any treatment to be covered by any insurance company, it must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Marijuana in its plant form, along with the products sold at dispensaries, has not gone through the FDA approval process required for insurance coverage.

What About Private Insurance?

Private insurance companies follow the same federal guidelines. Since marijuana is not FDA-approved and remains federally restricted, private insurance plans do not cover it either.

This applies to:

Employer-sponsored insurance plans
Individual or marketplace plans
Any other form of private health coverage

No matter the type of insurance, marijuana products purchased from dispensaries, marijuana evaluation costs, and state fees are always paid for out of pocket.

FDA-Approved Alternatives

There are a small number of prescription medications that contain compounds related to marijuana. These medications are FDA-approved and can be covered by insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid.

One example of an FDA-approved medication related to marijuana is Marinol. Marinol contains dronabinol, which is a synthetic version of THC, the primary psychoactive compound found in marijuana. It is typically prescribed for conditions like nausea related to chemotherapy or appetite loss.

Another example is Epidiolex, which contains CBD. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana, and this medication is used to treat certain rare forms of epilepsy.

While these medications are derived from or mimic compounds found in marijuana, they are very different from dispensary products. They:

Contain only one specific compound (such as THC or CBD)
Are produced in controlled doses
Are approved for very specific medical conditions

Because of this, they are not considered direct replacements for medical marijuana products available in Iowa.

Federal Developments and Hemp Programs

There have been recent federal discussions about allowing limited coverage for certain hemp-derived products under Medicare. Some proposals include small, capped benefits for items like CBD or low-THC products through pilot programs.

These programs only apply to federally legal hemp-derived products with very low THC levels, not the higher-THC medical marijuana products sold at licensed dispensaries in Iowa, and they do not change the state’s current rules or insurance coverage.

At this time, these developments do not impact how patients access or pay for marijuana through the state’s medical program.

Iowa’s Medical Marijuana Program

Iowa allows patients with qualifying medical conditions to access marijuana. To participate, patients must first be certified by a licensed marijuana provider and registered with the state.

Once the patient gets approved by the state and recieve their marijuana card via email, they can visit licensed dispensaries and purchase products such as:

At Iowa Marijuana Card, we provide convenient telemedicine evaluations for patients across the state. Our licensed marijuana practitioners review your medical history and determine if you qualify for Iowa’s medical marijuana program, all from the comfort of your home! After your appointment, our team also helps guide you through the state registration process, making it easy to submit your application and complete every step with confidence.

Even with a valid medical marijuana card, insurance does not cover these products. Patients are responsible for paying the full cost.

Why Patients Still Choose Marijuana

Despite the lack of insurance coverage, many patients in Iowa continue to use marijuana as part of their care. It offers an alternative option for a variety of medical conditions when other treatments have not worked or have caused unwanted side effects.

Patients also benefit from:

Access to regulated and consistent products
Guidance from healthcare providers
A variety of product types to fit their needs

While the cost is paid out of pocket, many patients find value in having access to these options.

The Bottom Line

Insurance does not cover marijuana in Iowa, or anywhere in the country. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, and all private insurance plans. The reason is tied to federal law and the lack of FDA approval for marijuana as a medication.

Although there are ongoing federal discussions about hemp-derived products, these do not change current coverage rules. Patients who choose to use marijuana should plan to pay for their products themselves.

If you are interested in getting started, the first step is obtaining a medical marijuana card. Once approved, you will have legal access to dispensaries across Iowa and can begin exploring the products available to you.

Get Your Marijuana Card!

We are now seeing medical marijuana patients in Iowa!

Don’t wait to get the relief you deserve! Schedule an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate marijuana doctors via telemedicine!

Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

Helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

If you have any questions, simply give us a call at 866-443-1122, send us an email at info@iowamarijuanacard.com, or schedule a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!

For more blogs like this, plus patient resources and state updates, subscribe to our newsletter!