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 Nicotine Use and Effects

Isabella Romo
4 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

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

Many people in Iowa use marijuana, nicotine, or both. Some use them on their own, while others use them simultaneously or even mix them together. Knowing how these substances affect the body and mind can help you make safe and informed choices, whether you’re using marijuana for medical reasons or just learning about it.

What Is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a plant that can help with many medical conditions; its effects depend on the dose, strain, and how it’s used. It contains compounds called cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. THC is what produces the “high” that people feel, while CBD and other cannabinoids do not cause the high but can have helpful effects on the body. These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain, mood, sleep, appetite, and other functions.

Because marijuana’s compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, they can reduce pain signals, calm overactive nerves, and help regulate mood and sleep. This is why people feel relief from chronic pain, anxiety, or trouble sleeping when using marijuana, along with many other conditions.

How marijuana affects you can vary based on your condition, the strain, dose, and method of use, whether it’s smoked, vaped, or eaten.

What Is Nicotine?

Nicotine comes from tobacco and is found in cigarettes, cigars, and many vaping products. It is a stimulant that can increase alertness and improve focus temporarily, but it is highly addictive. Nicotine can also affect mood and reward systems in the brain, which is why people may feel a strong desire to keep using it once they start. Even small amounts can be habit-forming and addictive over time.

Why Some People Use Both

Using marijuana and nicotine together is fairly common. People may do this for several reasons:

Social habits – smoking or vaping often happens in group settings.
Enhanced effects – some feel that nicotine changes or strengthens the sensation from marijuana.
Cultural practices – in certain places, combining tobacco and marijuana is traditional.

How They Affect the Body

Brain and Thinking

Both marijuana and nicotine influence the brain differently:

Marijuana can affect memory, thinking, and perception.
Nicotine stimulates reward centers and can improve alertness.

Using both at the same time can produce effects that differ from those of using either alone. How it impacts someone can vary based on dosage, frequency, and method of use.

Heart and Circulation

Nicotine can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Marijuana can also affect circulation, especially in first-time or high-dose users.

Using both together may make these effects stronger. People with heart conditions or high blood pressure should talk to a healthcare professional before use.

Lungs and Breathing

Any kind of smoking introduces heat, particles, and chemicals into the lungs.

Combining tobacco and marijuana exposes the lungs to more irritants than using marijuana alone.
Vaping offers fewer risks than smoking, but it is not completely harmless, especially with nicotine.

Patterns of Use

Research shows that people who use nicotine products, like cigarettes or vaping, are more likely to try marijuana later on. Similarly, those who use marijuana may be more likely to start using nicotine. While this doesn’t happen to everyone, studies indicate a clear connection between the two behaviors.

Key Takeaways

Marijuana and nicotine both affect your brain and body in unique ways. Using them together can create different effects than using either alone.
Mixing the two may increase exposure to harmful substances and impact heart, lung, and cognitive health more than using marijuana alone.
Individual experiences vary, so effects are not the same for everyone.
If you use medical marijuana and also use nicotine or tobacco, a doctor can help guide safer use.

Being informed about how marijuana and nicotine affect the body helps you make choices that support your health and well-being. Understanding these effects can help you use medical marijuana responsibly while being aware of potential risks.

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!