In 2014, the state of Iowa legalized the use of Medical Cannabidiol only for patients living with intractable epilepsy. The new law permits the possession of cannabis oil with less than 3% of THC content for patients (and their caregivers) with severe epilepsy who are recommended by a licensed neurologist in Iowa to obtain a state-issued identification card. No one other than a neurologist is able to give a patient a recommendation for using cannabis oil. Registered patients cannot use cannabis oil in other states.
The Iowa proposed amendments, which senators approved by a 26-19 margin, expands medical cannabis legislation to authorize the production and dispensing of medical cannabis for expanded uses and qualifying medical conditions. If approved, the Senate File 484 would create a safe, legal, affordable, effective, and highly regulated way for patients of Iowa and their families to access medicine made from cannabis, Sen. Brad Zaun (R-Urbandale) joined twenty-five Democrats, while Sen. Tod Bowman (D-Maquoketa) opposed the bill along with eighteen Republicans. Before passing File 484, senators amended the bill to change marijuana as a scheduled II substance that would qualify for medical research and prescription by licensed physicians. Sen. Charles Schneider (R-West Des Moines) tried to improve the expansive measure to only deal with the change of schedule of the bill.
Caregiver Laws
A caregiver must be 18 years of age or above with no records of any drug felony offense. A caregiver is designated by a physician while filling out the written certification or recommendation for the qualifying patient. A caregiver can possess no more than thirty-two ounces of cannabidiol oil per patient. To be a caregiver, one must be registered with the Department of Public Health and submit an application form with complete required information.
Dispensary Laws
The law states that cannabidiol will remain illegal to produce or sell.
Growing Laws
It is illegal for patients or caregivers to grow medical marijuana or produce cannabidiol.