Today we’re here to talk about the best medical marijuana dispensaries in Iowa. The only catch is that, due to Iowa’s relatively restrictive MMJ laws, there are only five dispensaries in total in the entire state of Iowa, and they all sell a similar list of MMJ products! So we’ve decided to give an honorable mention to all five of Iowa’s dispensaries and outline what MMJ products they sell, how much you can legally buy, who can visit dispensaries in Iowa, and how you can get your own MMJ card in Iowa.
Does Iowa Have Any Dispensaries?
Iowa’s medical marijuana program began in 2014. It was a very limited program and patients were only allowed access to low-THC preparations. The program was expanded in 2017 and 2020, and now patients can purchase higher-THC preparations in various forms.
Iowa medical cannabidiol dispensary law limits the amount of MMJ dispensaries that can operate in the state to five. The five IA MMJ dispensaries are spread across the state, located in Iowa City, Waterloo, Des Moines, Sioux City, and Council Bluffs.
Iowa’s 5 Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
While Iowa has a more limited number of MMJ dispensaries than most other states, the five Iowa MMJ dispensaries are state-of-the-art facilities that offer high-end MMJ products and great customer service.
Iowa’s five MMJ dispensaries are:
- Iowa Cannabis Co., Iowa City: 322 Hwy 1 WIowa City, IA 52246
- Iowa Cannabis Co., Waterloo: 1955 La Porte Rd, Waterloo, IA 50702
- Iowa Cannabis Co., Council Bluffs: 3615 9th Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Med Farm, Windsor Heights: 7239 Apple Valley Drive, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
- Med Farm, Sioux City: 5700 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City, IA 51106
What Medical Marijuana Products Are Available In Iowa Dispensaries?
You can purchase the following MMJ products in Iowa dispensaries:
- Oral tablets, capsules, liquids, and tinctures
- Topical gels, ointments, creams, lotions, and transdermal patches
- Vapes
- Suppositories – rectal and vaginal
Can I Buy Edibles In Iowa?
Unfortunately, Iowa MMJ law does not allow edibles to be sold in Iowa dispensaries. Medical marijuana flower is also not permitted to be sold in Iowa.
How Much MMJ Can You Buy From An Iowa Dispensary?
MMJ patients in Iowa are allowed to buy medical marijuana products containing up to a total of 4.5 grams of THC in a 90-day period. Patients can be exempted from this rule if their doctor signs a waiver form or if they have a terminal illness.
Who Can Visit Iowa Dispensaries?
Only holders of Iowa MMJ cards can visit IA dispensaries. Iowa does not practice MMJ reciprocity, so holders of medical cards from other legal MMJ states cannot purchase MMJ products in Iowa. However, patients with valid medical cards from other states can possess and use medical marijuana in Iowa.
Can You Get Your Iowa Medical Marijuana Card Online?
Yes, you can apply for your Iowa MMJ card online at the Iowa Office of Medical Cannabidiol website.
How Do You Apply For An MMJ Card In Iowa?
The first step in the Iowa MMJ card application process is to have a video consultation with an Iowa MMJ doctor at the MMJRecs online clinic. Once your suitability for medical marijuana treatment has been verified, the doctor will complete the Practitioner Certification Form and email it to you within two business days.
Once you receive your patient certification email, you should submit an online patient application for the medical marijuana program. You will need to include a copy of proof of identity and the necessary payment in your application.
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For An Iowa Medical Marijuana Card?
The qualifying conditions for an Iowa medical marijuana card are:
- Cancer – if the illness or its treatment produces one or more of the following: 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 – if the illness or its treatment produces one or more of the following: severe or chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, cachexia or severe wasting
- Ulcerative colitis
- Severe, intractable autism (pediatric or adult) with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors
- Corticobasal degeneration
How Much Does An Iowa MMJ Card Cost?
The state application fee for a medical card in Iowa is $100. The fee is reduced to $25 for applicants who provide a copy of a Social Security Disability Benefit notice, proof of receipt of Supplemental Security Income Payment, an Iowa Medicaid member card, or a Hawk-I member card.
Featured image by Austin Goode on Unsplash