Iowa Medical Marijuana Card: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Residents of Iowa who suffer from certain medical conditions now have access to relief through the use of medical marijuana. 

Under Iowa medical marijuanas laws, individuals with qualifying chronic health issues are eligible to receive a medical marijuana card that allows them to purchase and possess cannabis products for therapeutic purposes. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at who qualifies for a medical marijuana card in Iowa, as well as how one can apply for one. So if you’re looking for information on obtaining your own medical marijuana card in Iowa, read on.

 

What Is a Medical Marijuana Card?

A medical marijuana card is a document issued to an individual who has been approved to use cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The card allows individuals with qualifying medical conditions to purchase and possess cannabis products, such as cannabis oil and edibles, from dispensaries in Iowa. 

The card also serves as proof that the patient has met state requirements for qualifying medical conditions and has been legally authorized to use medicinal marijuana. Furthermore, the card can be used as a form of identification when visiting dispensaries or making online purchases of MMJ products. 

Medical marijuana cards are typically issued by the state’s Department of Health or Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation. Each state has its own requirements for eligibility and application process for medical marijuana cards. 

In addition to allowing qualified patients to purchase and possess MMJ products, having a medical marijuana card also grants them certain legal protections. This includes immunity from prosecution for possessing or using cannabis for those who have obtained their medical marijuana cards through proper channels. 

 

Who Qualifies for Medical Marijuana in Iowa?

The state of Iowa has established several medical conditions that qualify individuals for enrollment in their medical marijuana program. 

To be eligible to obtain a medical marijuana card, one must suffer from a debilitating condition that has been recognized by the State as an approved medical condition. These conditions include:

• HIV or AIDS
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Chronic pain
• Cancer (if the treatment or the illness produces severe or chronic pain, nausea, vomiting, wasting syndrome, cachexia, or severe and persistent muscle spasms)
• Crohn’s disease 

To know more about all the conditons, check out our detailed guide on medical marijuana qualifying condition in Iowa.

These are just some of the medical marijuanas Iowa qualifications that can make someone eligible for a medical marijuana card. For a more detailed list of qualifying medical conditions, please refer to our blog on the subject. 

 

What Are the Restrictions With an Iowa Medical Marijuana Card

Patients enrolled in the Iowa medical marijuana program must comply with certain restrictions set by the state. These limits pertain to both possession and cultivation of cannabis and vary depending on the type of product purchased. 

Raw leaf and edibles are not allowed. However, other forms, such as vaporizable, oral, topical, suppositories, and nebulizers, are allowed and regulated. 

With Governor Kim Reynolds’s recent revision, patients are now allowed up to 4.5 grams of THC per 90 days; previously, the limit was set at 3%.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Iowa?

There are several costs associated with obtaining a medical marijuana card in Iowa. 

The first is the application fee, which is $100 for a one-year registration unless you meet certain criteria for a reduced fee of $25. This includes those experiencing financial hardships and can provide documentation to prove their eligibility. 

In addition, there is also a cost for the doctor’s evaluation, which will be necessary in order to officially receive your medical marijuana card. An online consultation with Kif to obtain a medical marijuana recommendation in Iowa typically costs $199.

Finally, there may be additional fees associated with submitting your application, such as postage and processing costs. These can vary depending on the provider, so be sure to check with your chosen clinic or service before submitting any paperwork. 

 

Benefits of Obtaining an Iowa Med Card

 

The benefits of having a medical cannabis card in Iowa go beyond simple access to dispensaries and legal protection. Here are some of the additional benefits you can enjoy:

 

Possess and Use Different Marijuana Products 

With a medical cannabis card, patients are legally allowed to purchase and possess up to 4.5 grams of THC per 90 days. 

This includes several different types of products, including flowers, tinctures, capsules, edibles, oils, concentrates, and topicals. This allows patients to explore various methods of medicine delivery while still staying within the confines of the law. 

 

Protection From Legal Action

Having an Iowa medical marijuana card also grants patients certain legal protections. People with an Iowa med card are immune from prosecution for possession or use of cannabis products obtained from a licensed dispensary. 

In the event that a patient is found in possession of marijuana, they can show proof that it was obtained legally and for medical purposes. This can help avoid potential legal repercussions, such as fines or jail time. 

 

Access To a Wider Range of Marijuana Strains

Having an Iowa med card also grants patients access to a wider range of marijuana products, including high-THC strains and specialty products. These products are not available to recreational users and can provide patients with a more tailored experience when it comes to finding the right medicine. 

Licensed dispensaries often carry higher-potency forms of cannabis that could potentially provide greater relief from symptoms than lower THC products available at recreational stores. 

 

Discounted Prices 

There is also a financial benefit to getting an Iowa Med Card – individuals enrolled in the program can take advantage of special discounts on select products from dispensaries throughout the state. 

These discounts can add up quickly over time and help patients save money on their medications without sacrificing quality or potency.

 

Caregiver Access

Finally, patients enrolled in the Iowa Medical Marijuana Program are allowed to designate a caregiver who can assist with the purchase and use of medical cannabis. This allows patients who may not be able to safely access or administer their own medicine to have assistance with using their medication. 

A designated caregiver also has legal protection and can purchase medical marijuana on behalf of the patient. This is especially beneficial for those with difficulty getting to dispensaries due to disability or age. 

 

Can Minors in Iowa Legally Obtain a Medical Card?

In Iowa, minors are permitted to apply for a medical cannabis card with the consent of a parent or guardian. The process is similar to the one used for adults, but the applicant must provide proof that they are under 18 and have received parental consent before their application can be accepted. 

At Kif, our licensed health professionals can help walk you through the process of obtaining an Iowa medical marijuana card for your minor child.

Check out the whole process of minors to obtain a cannabis card in Iow here: https://thekif.com/medical-marijuana-iowa/can-a-minor-get-a-medical-marijuana-card-in-iowa/

 

How To Apply For Medical Marijuanas Card in Iowa

1. Register online with our Iowa Kif Doctors to qualify for an MMJ card. The online consultation costs $199; the 100% money-back guarantee ensures you can get a full refund if you don’t qualify.
2. Attend an online appointment with a qualified marijuana doctor and discuss why you think medical marijuana may benefit you. The doctor will assess your condition and, if appropriate, issue a signed recommendation for an MMJ card in Iowa. 
3. Receive your MMJ card recommendation in the mail shortly after your appointment. This document serves as proof that you are eligible to purchase medical marijuana in Iowa and is valid for up to 12 months. 
4. Complete your medical marijuana application with the Iowa Department of Public Health. You will need to submit your medical records, proof of eligibility, and a photograph along with your application. Once your application is approved, you will receive your Iowa medical marijuana card, which you can use to purchase cannabis at a legal dispensary.

 

Proof of Identity

• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver’s license: Individuals applying for a medical marijuana card must submit a valid, unexpired driver’s license issued by the DMV. 
• Non-operator’s Identification (ID) card: Individuals without a driver’s license must provide an unexpired non-operators ID card issued by the DMV. 
• Other valid government-issued photo cards: Applicants may also submit a valid, unexpired passport or military identification card as proof of identity. 

 

Proof of Residency

• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) motor vehicle registration: Applicants must submit a current and valid DMV motor vehicle registration to prove residency in Iowa. 
• Rental or mortgage agreement: Current rental or mortgage agreements can also be used as proof of residency. 
• Utility bills: A utility bill with the applicant’s name and address listed is acceptable proof of Iowa residency. 

 

What Documents Are Required to Apply for a Weed Card in IA?

In order to apply for a medical marijuana card in Iowa, you will need to provide the Iowa Department of Public Health with a variety of documents. These include proof of identity and residency, as well as a physician’s certification. 

• Proof of Identity: Individuals applying for a medical marijuana card must submit a valid, unexpired driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Those without a driver’s license may submit other forms of identification, such as a state-issued ID or passport. 
• Proof of Residency: Individuals must also provide proof that they are Iowa residents. This can be done by submitting two documents with the individual’s name and address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or DMV motor vehicle registration. 
• Physician’s Certification: Applicants must also submit a physician’s certification that states the individual has been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition. The physician must be licensed to practice in Iowa and certified by the Iowa Department of Public Health to issue certifications for medical marijuana cards. 
• Digital Photograph: Applicants must submit a digital photograph of themselves. This photo will be printed on the medical marijuana card and is used to verify identity when patients purchase cannabis products at dispensaries. 

 

Caregiver in Iowa

Caregivers play an important role in Iowa’s medical marijuana program. A registered caregiver is a person who has been approved by the state to provide assistance to a patient in acquiring, cultivating, and using medical marijuana. 

Caregivers can help patients who are physically or mentally unable to purchase, manage, or use their medical marijuana on their own. 

In order to become a registered caregiver in Iowa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be 21 years of age or older
• Have not been convicted of a felony within the past five years involving controlled substances
• Pass a background check 
• Reside with the qualifying patient and assist with purchasing, managing, and administering medical cannabis
• Submit an application and pay the required fee 

To apply as a caregiver, follow these steps:

1. Be listed as the patient’s designated primary caregiver on the healthcare practitioner form
2. Complete the online registration application
3. Pay the $25 registration fee
4. If approved, receive an email from the Office of Medical Cannabidiol (OMC) with your temporary card. A permanent card will be mailed to you afterward. 

Read More: Is Marijuana Legal in Iowa? A Comprehensive Guide 2023

 

Conclusion

Although the recreational use of marijuana is still illegal in Iowa, individuals with certain medical conditions can legally access medical marijuana with a valid Iowa medical marijuana card. 

A medical card saves patients time and money, as it allows them to purchase medical cannabis products from licensed dispensaries without having to pay the state sales tax. 

At Kif, we are committed to helping patients with debilitating medical conditions get access to the medical marijuana they need. Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today to get a medical marijuana card in Iowa.