If you are already living in Iowa or planning to travel there then it’s a good idea to learn the CBD and cannabis laws of the state.
In general, Iowa is considered a conservative state when it comes to CBD and cannabis use. Let’s take a look at a general overview of what the CBD landscape in Iowa looks like. Then we will dive into some more specifics after that.
Overview of CBD and Cannabis Laws in Iowa
- CBD is legal in Iowa – the catch is that it must come from hemp plants with no more than 0.3% THC
- Marijuana and recreational adult marijuana use is not legal in Iowa
- Medical grade CBD is permitted. The THC level can not be more than 3%. Individuals in possession of medical CBD with higher THC concentrations must have a state-issued mCBD card.
- Iowa follows federal law in regards to CBD in that it can only be added to products that are intended for human consumption.
The Legality of CBD In Iowa
As we previously mentioned CBD is legal in Iowa. But getting CBD to the point it is at now has been a long road.
It wasn’t until May 13, 2019, that Governor Reynolds of Iowa signed the Iowa Hemp Act into law. Under this Act, the state changed its thinking on CBD. Up until that point CBD was considered part of marijuana and CBD was still being considered a Schedule 1 drug.
The Iowa Hemp Act changed the definition of hemp so that CBD could now be legal. Under the Hemp Act, they are now defining hemp as any part of the cannabis plant with a THC concentration up to 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
So as long as the CBD is coming from hemp plants that do not contain more than 0.3% THC then CBD is completely acceptable. Prior to the implementation of the Hemp Act any product sold that contained CBD or THC was still considered to be marijuana, which is a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
Medical CBD
Iowa law distinguished between CBD and medical CBD. As part of the Medical Cannabidiol Act, medical CBD (mCBD) can be manufactured and distributed within the state. For their purposes, mCBD is classified as any pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant that has a THC level of no more than 3%. That is still much lower than the THC levels you are accustomed to seeing from marijuana.
Under the Medical Cannabidiol Act, Iowa’s two licensed manufacturers can manufacture and distribute mCBD to certain individuals. In order to qualify for mCBD, you must have a state-issued mCBD registration card. To be considered for mCBD in Iowa you are going to have to show that you need it. Most patients who have access to mCBD in Iowa have epilepsy.
How To Purchase CBD in Iowa
If you are in Iowa then there is no need to worry about options to buy your CBD products. It is completely legal to shop at local venues that sell CBD. Some of the best places to buy local CBD would probably be places like hemp shops, pharmacies, and health and wellness stores.
Buying from these local brick-and-mortar shops can be a great option. By doing that you get the opportunity to look at and handle the products up close and personal before actually buying. You may also get an opportunity to meet some knowledgeable people who can help you make buying decisions based on your needs.
These local products can be great and we encourage you to check them out. We also believe you should be very careful and ask questions before buying. Because there is no federal oversight and regulations on CBD you can run into some very questionable products. Some could even be unsafe. Be very cautious when buying from someplace you are not familiar with.
Buying CBD online is always a great option as well. For one, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home if you don’t want to. And depending on your situation maybe going to a store isn’t even a viable option for you anyways.
There are a lot of great CBD brands available online. The amount of CBD options online is tremendous. One thing we like about buying from a trusted online source is the transparency and safety that comes with it.
Even though there are no federal regulations in place for the CBD industry the top online CBD brands undergo a lot of scrutiny. That is why many of them have become completely transparent about their process and their products. They even utilize independent labs to test their products and post results online for all customers to see. With these companies, you know exactly what you are getting.
Overview of Marijuana in Iowa
Adult recreational marijuana use has gained much popularity across the United States. That is not the case in Iowa. The recreational use of marijuana is undoubtedly illegal in Iowa. The same goes for smokable CBD products.
To try to help some patients with medical issues Iowa has implemented the Medical Cannabidiol Program. This allows patients with qualifying conditions to have access to more potent medical CBD products. Patients must go through their physicians and then apply through the state. If approved, the patient gets a medical cannabidiol card and can then purchase products through approved dispensaries.
Some of the qualifying conditions could include:
- Cancer
- Seizures
- Crohn’s Disease
- MS
- ALS
- Parkinson’s Disease
- PTSD
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Terminal Illness
- Autism
Final Thoughts From The CBD Guru – Iowa and CBD
So we see that as long as CBD is derived from hemp that does not contain more than 0.3% THC it is legal in the state of Iowa. One caveat to keep in mind is that Iowa does not allow CBD to be included in food, beverages, or even dietary supplements.
If you have a physical ailment then you may be able to qualify for CBD with a higher THC content. You would need to go through your physician and also apply to the Medical Cannabidiol Program.
Things like recreational marijuana use and smokable CBD products are illegal in Iowa.
Iowa is definitely a conservative state when it comes to cannabis use but they have made changes in recent years to start loosening some restrictions.
The political landscape surrounding things like CBD and marijuana continues to change. As time passes there seems to be more and more acceptance to cannabis and the benefits that it may provide.
Iowa is not immune from changing with the times when it comes to CBD and cannabis so stay tuned to see what will happen with the laws regarding CBD, marijuana, and hemp in Iowa.
