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.

Study Shows That Marijuana Users Are More Common Than Cigarette Smokers

Isabella Romo
Nov 6
3 min read

Updated: Nov 7

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

Recent trends show that marijuana use is becoming increasingly common across the country, especially among young adults. New data show that young adults in the United States (US) use marijuana more than they smoke cigarettes. This shift reflects changing attitudes toward marijuana and highlights the growing role it plays in patients' lives.

What the Data Shows

Marijuana use among young adults in Iowa is rising, reflecting a broader national trend. According to Iowa’s Department of Public Health and state surveys, about 21% of young adults (ages 18–24) reported using marijuana in the past 30 days, the same as cigarette smoking in the state. Nationally, 23% of young adults used marijuana in the past month, compared with just 16% who smoked cigarettes. While cigarette use continues to decline, marijuana use has remained steady or increased.

Marijuana is the most commonly used substance among young adults in Iowa and across the U.S. Key data includes:

First-time use: About 8% of young adults tried marijuana for the first time in the past year across the country.
Annual use: Over a third of young adults used marijuana in the past year; 34% in Iowa and 35% nationally.
Past-30-day use: Around 1 in 5 young adults used marijuana in the past month; 21% in Iowa and 23% nationally.
Age differences in Iowa: Marijuana use is highest among 18–25-year-olds (35%), compared with 12% of adults 26 and older.

These numbers suggest that more Iowans are choosing marijuana over cigarettes, whether for relaxation, recreation, or medical purposes, highlighting changing attitudes and habits among young adults.

Why This Matters for Iowa

Changing norms: Marijuana is becoming more socially accepted, particularly among younger adults.
Public health implications: Declining cigarette use is positive for long-term health, but increasing marijuana use emphasizes the need for education and responsible consumption.
Medical access: For those using marijuana to manage qualifying health conditions, having a medical marijuana card provides legal protection and safe access to regulated products.

What Iowa Residents Should Know

Medical marijuana is the legal pathway for patients. Recreational marijuana is illegal in Iowa. A medical marijuana card allows patients to use marijuana for qualifying health conditions legally and safely within the state’s medical program.
Access to safe products is important. A medical marijuana card allows patients to obtain tested, regulated marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries rather than relying on unregulated sources.
Education is key. Understanding strains, doses, and product types is critical for safe and effective use, especially for medical purposes. Our team at Iowa Marijuana Card also offers helpful resources, including blogs, to guide patients in making informed choices.

How a Medical Marijuana Card Can Help

If you qualify for medical marijuana in Iowa, obtaining a card comes with several benefits:

Legal protections: Your use is recognized under state law.
Access to regulated products: You can obtain marijuana that has been tested for safety and quality through licensed dispensaries.
Professional guidance: Our doctors and dispensary staff can help you select strains, doses, and products that suit your specific needs.
Peace of mind: Using marijuana safely and legally ensures your treatment is effective and compliant with Iowa law.

Final Thoughts

Marijuana use is now more common than cigarette smoking across the country, reflecting changing attitudes and choices among residents. For those using marijuana for health reasons, obtaining a medical marijuana card is the best way to ensure safe, legal, and guided access to the products you need.

Whether you are new to medical marijuana or continuing treatment, having a card gives you the support and resources to use marijuana responsibly and effectively in Iowa.

Get Ready for Medical Marijuana

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!