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Medical marijuana has been gaining traction as a viable treatment option for a host of medical conditions ranging from chronic pain to PTSD. In recent years, many states have begun to consider the issue of minors accessing medical marijuana, and Iowa is no different. The state has already established regulations regarding access for adults, but there are additional questions concerning access for minors.
So, can a minor get a medical marijuana card in Iowa? In short, yes. However, the process is highly regulated and requires parental consent.
In this article, we’ll outline how minors can obtain a medical marijuana card in Iowa, including the regulations that are in place. Read on to learn all you need to know about Iowa’s medical marijuana laws and how minors can benefit from them.
Qualifying Conditions for Minor Patients in Iowa
In Iowa, minors can qualify for medical marijuana treatment if they have certain qualifying medical conditions. These conditions are defined in the state’s Medical Cannabidiol Act as “any debilitating medical condition." A debilitating medical condition is defined as any illness that significantly impacts the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of a person.
Here is a list of some of the most common qualifying conditions for medical marijuana treatment in Iowa:
- Cancer
- Muscle spasms
- Seizures
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis with persistent and severe muscle spasms
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Any terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than one year
- Corticobasal Degeneration
- Severe, intractable autism with aggressive or self-injurious behavior
- Severe, intractable pediatric autism with aggressive or self-injurious behavior
Steps for Guardians or Caregivers to Register a Minor Patient
In Iowa, minor patients under the age of 18 must have a legal guardian or caregiver register on their behalf. The guardian or caregiver is responsible for obtaining the medical marijuana card and ensuring that the minor patient meets all requirements for access.
The steps required to do so include:
- Download the Healthcare Practitioner Form.
- Schedule an appointment with one of the certified Iowa doctors on Kif. The doctor will evaluate the minor patient and determine if they qualify for medical marijuana. After diagnosing the minor, the doctor will then fill out the Healthcare Practitioner Form and sign it.
- After obtaining the form, the guardian or caregiver must complete the caregiver registration process. The application must include the signed Healthcare Practitioner Form mentioning the adult as the designated primary caregiver.
- Submit the application, the required documents, and a $25 fee to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH).
- The OMC will review the application and determine whether or not the minor patient qualifies for medical marijuana. If approved, the adult will be sent a Medical Marijuana Card for the minor.
What is the Medical Card Cost for Minors in IA
Obtaining a medical card for minors in Iowa comes with its own set of costs. The medical card itself costs $100. However, this fee can be reduced to $25 if the patient is going through financial hardship and can provide evidence of such.
In addition to this, the adult applying on behalf of the minor must also pay a caregiver registration application fee of $25.
You also need to factor in the cost of seeing a certified doctor for an evaluation. At Kif, we make it easy for you to get a medical marijuana card with our telemedicine service. For a $199 annual fee, you can conveniently get an evaluation with one of our licensed doctors and receive your medical marijuana recommendation without ever having to leave home.
To ensure easy access for minors and their families, it’s important that these fees are affordable and don’t create an additional burden on already stretched budgets.
How to Purchase Medical Marijuana Products for Minors in Iowa
Minors who qualify for a medical marijuana card in Iowa can legally access medical marijuana products through one of the state's five operational dispensaries after being approved by an Iowa-certified doctor and registered with the IDPH.
The dispensaries in Iowa are:
- MedPharm Iowa – 7239 Apple Valley Drive, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
- MedPharm Iowa – 5700 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City, IA 51106
- Iowa Cannabis Company - 3615 9th Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Iowa Cannabis Company – 1955 La Porte Road, Waterloo, IA 50702
- Iowa Cannabis Company - 382 Highway 1 W, Iowa City, IA 52245
Products such as capsules, tinctures, lotions, and edibles may be available depending on qualifications and needs for symptom relief. Patients should keep in mind that all purchases must be made with cash only; no insurance will be accepted at any dispensary location.
Also Read: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in IA
Finding the Perfect Medical Marijuana Doctor for Your Child
Some doctors in Iowa may not be particularly keen on recommending medical marijuana for minors, while others may be unfamiliar with the specifics of the state’s laws and regulations. This can make finding quality care a challenge. However, parents only come to medical marijuana if they are at their wit's end, desperate to find a solution for their child's suffering, especially when other treatments have failed.
At Kif, we understand this and make it easy for parents to get their children the care they need with our telemedicine service. Our licensed doctors are knowledgeable about medical marijuana laws in Iowa and have experience evaluating minors for medical cannabis treatments.
With just a few clicks, you can easily connect with a doctor and get the best medical advice for your child. Plus, because our service is entirely online and secure, you can access it from anywhere, anytime.
Sign up with us today and take the first step toward finding relief for your child!
