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.

What Marijuana’s Schedule III Reclassification Means for Iowa

Isabella Romo
Jan 5
3 min read

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Historic changes are underway: the Trump administration has moved to officially recognize marijuana as a medicine, signaling a shift in federal policy that could impact patients and doctors across Iowa. For more than 50 years, marijuana has been classified as a Schedule I drug, considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The federal government is now moving it from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug, signaling a major shift in how the country views marijuana. This change can impact patients, doctors, and dispensaries across Iowa.

This change does not legalize recreational marijuana in Iowa or nationwide, but it could make medical research easier, reduce stigma around medical use, and create new opportunities within state medical marijuana programs. Here’s everything Iowa patients need to know.

What Is Marijuana Rescheduling?

Under federal law, drugs are placed into different “schedules” based on how dangerous a substance is and whether it has medical value.

Marijuana is currently listed as a Schedule I drug, which is the most restrictive category. Drugs in this group are considered to have no accepted medical use under federal law.

The federal government has proposed moving marijuana to Schedule III. Schedule III drugs are recognized as having medical use and are considered lower risk than Schedule I substances.

This change will be the first time the federal government officially acknowledges marijuana’s medical value.

Does Rescheduling Make Marijuana Legal?

No, rescheduling marijuana does not make recreational marijuana legal nationwide.

States still control their own marijuana laws. In Iowa, marijuana will continue to be legal only through the state’s existing medical program. Adult-use marijuana will remain illegal unless Iowa lawmakers change state law.

What Changes Could Happen Soon?

Some effects of rescheduling could be felt more quickly than others.

Expanded Medical Research

According to Iowa Public Radio, marijuana’s current classification makes research difficult and slow. Moving marijuana to Schedule III will reduce some of the federal barriers, allowing researchers to more easily study how marijuana works and which conditions it may help.

More research could lead to a better understanding for doctors and more informed decisions for patients in the future.

A Shift in Federal Attitudes

Rescheduling also sends a clear message that the federal government no longer views marijuana as having no medical value. While this does not change Iowa law by itself, it could influence future policy decisions at both the state and federal levels.

What This Means for Iowa Patients

Even with marijuana’s move to Schedule III, Iowa’s marijuana program will not change; patients are still required to go through the state’s medical program to access marijuana. This means patients must obtain a recommendation from a qualified doctor confirming that marijuana may help treat their condition. Once approved by their doctor, patients submit their application to the state. After the state confirms approval, they are legally able to purchase marijuana products from Iowa’s licensed dispensaries.

Even though access to medical marijuana remains the same, rescheduling could eventually lead to:

More research-backed treatment options
Reduced stigma around medical marijuana use
Potential long-term improvements to state programs

These changes would not happen overnight, but rescheduling is seen as a meaningful step forward.

The Bottom Line

Moving marijuana to Schedule III will be a historic change in federal drug policy. While it does not change Iowa law today, it recognizes marijuana’s medical value and opens the door for future progress.

For Iowa patients, doctors, and policymakers, this shift could shape how medical marijuana is handled in the years ahead.

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!

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