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Get an Iowa Medical Marijuana Card. Only $99.

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The key benefits of a medical marijuana card in Iowa

  • Access to dispensaries

    Having a low-THC card is the only way to legally purchase, use and possess low-THC products in the state of Iowa.

    Recreational use is illegal.

  • Higher possession

    Medical card holders can possess up to 4.5 grams of THC over a 90 day period.

    Non-card holders cannot legally possess cannabis products.

  • Lower age restriction

    Patients 18+ can qualify for a medical card.

    Minors can also apply for a medical card if they have an approved caregiver.

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State-Specific Steps

Embarking on your journey to relief in Iowa is simple. Let our caring specialists guide you through the state-specific steps if you're looking to get a medical marijuana card.

  1. step register

    1. Register Online With Leafwell

    Create an account online, and then you can speak to an Iowa medical marijuana doctor and qualify for an Iowa medical marijuana card. Your medical marijuana recommendation costs $99, and you’re only billed if approved.

  2. step doctor

    2. Discuss Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol (CBD) With Your Doctor

    The licensed medical marijuana doctor will review your medical records and ask you questions based on your medical history. They will provide you with advice and guidance on whether medical cannabis and CBD are good choices for you.

  3. step card

    3. Receive Your Certificate From Leafwell

    This certificate says that your Iowa medical marijuana doctor recommends you become a cannabis patient under the state’s current medical marijuana laws, and this certificate is required to apply for your Iowa medical card online.

  4. step state

    4. Apply for a Card With the State of Iowa

    After your appointment, you’ll receive instructions for the Iowa state application process. Once approved, the state will mail your medical card, which is valid for one year.

Have questions?

See a detailed step-by-step explainer on all the Iowa medical marijuana ID card requirements.

Learn More

Benefits of Getting a Card

Wondering how an IA medical marijuana card can transform your medical cannabis experience?

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State-Specific Steps

Embarking on your journey to relief in Iowa is simple. Let our caring specialists guide you through the state-specific steps if you're looking to get a medical marijuana card.

  1. Register Online With Leafwell
  2. Discuss Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol (CBD) With Your Doctor
  3. Receive Your Certificate From Leafwell
  4. Apply for a Card With the State
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See video on how to get a a medical card in Iowa

Best Care, Best Value

Our mission of increasing medical cannabis access means offering the highest-quality service at the best price. Here's what you need to know about the costs associated with the medical marijuana program in IA.
First-time certification
Renewal certification
$99
Best care and best value
$99
Veriheal
$199
$199
NuggMD
$109
$109
Green Health Docs
$200
$200
Cannacare Docs
$159
$159

Retail price as of 11/05/2024

What You Pay With Leafwell

Iowa medical marijuana patients save more with Leafwell. Get your money back if not approved.

label New with Leafwell Renewal with Leafwell Avg. other competitors
Medical marijuana certificate$99$99$200
State application fee$25-$100$25-$100$25-$100
Total$124-$199$124-$199$225-$300
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Qualifying Conditions

In Iowa, the following medical conditions may qualify you for a medical marijuana certificate and card:

  • AIDS/HIV
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
  • 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.
  • Chronic pain
  • Corticobasal Degeneration
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with severe and persistent muscle spasms
  • Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Seizures
  • Severe, intractable pediatric autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • 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

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With Leafwell, you'll be matched up with a highly knowledgeable, empathetic, licensed medical marijuana doctor or provider.

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What You Need to Know

  • info icon

    Eligibility / Patient

    Anyone who is at least 18 years old can get an Iowa medical marijuana card so long as they’re a resident of the state and have a qualifying medical condition.

  • caregiver icon

    Caregiver

    Caregivers must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Iowa or a bordering state (Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, or Wisconsin).

  • minors medical cannabis

    Can Minors Qualify?

    Yes. Those under 18 or needing assistance accessing medical cannabis will need a caregiver, who will need to register at the same time as the patient.

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What You Need

You’ll need to provide the following to apply for the IA medical marijuana program:

  • document

    Medical Marijuana Recommendation

    Once approved, you will need to download your Leafwell doctor’s recommendation to submit it with your Iowa state application.

  • ID icon

    Proof of Identity

    You will need a government-issued photo ID, such as an Iowa-issued driver’s license or Iowa state ID card.

Get Started

Next steps after approval

Congratulations on getting your medical marijuana certification! You’re almost there, but there are a few more steps to complete to get your Iowa medical marijuana card. Let’s dive in!

  • Before You Start: What You’ll Need
    • Your Leafwell doctor’s recommendation
    • A credit or debit card for payment
    • A valid photo ID

Step by step guide:

  1. Complete Application: Complete the state application with the Iowa Office for Medical Cannabidiol.
  2. Pay the Fee: The state charges a $100 fee to process your application.
  3. Receive Email: When the application has been processed, receive your email from the state. (Applications received by mail may take 1-2 weeks, whereas online applications usually take 1-2 days).
  4. Start Shopping: Once fully approved, you will receive a temporary card via email that can be used to purchase cannabis until your hard copy arrives in the mail.

How to renew your card

Renewing your card is similar to the initial process. You’ll speak to an Iowa-licensed physician online, submit your doctor’s recommendation,  pay the fee, and receive a card in the mail. Get a more detailed walkthrough of the renewal process on our Iowa renewal page.


Legal topics

Navigating the legal landscape can be tricky, but we’re here to break it down for you. Here are some key points you should be aware of if you have a medical marijuana ID card in Iowa:

Recreational Use is Not Allowed: Iowa has some of the most strict recreational marijuana and medical marijuana laws. Recreational marijuana is entirely illegal, and the first offense for possession is punishable by up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine.

THC Limit: There is a limit of four milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per serving in a consumable marijuana product, and no more than 10mg per container.

Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Program: The Iowa Medical Cannabidiol program is the only legal way to consume cannabis in Iowa. Medical cannabis products must be obtained from or produced elsewhere besides the sole licensed producer in Iowa is treated as unlicensed marijuana.


Caregivers

Iowa residents, parents, legal guardians, and anyone 18 or older who is a resident of Iowa or a neighboring state and has been designated by the medical marijuana patient as a caretaker can apply for a registration card, allowing them to obtain medicinal cannabis and administer it to a patient.

To apply, a caregiver must:

  • Be listed on the healthcare practitioner form as the designated primary caregiver.
  • Complete the caregiver registration application online.
  • Apply and pay a $25 non-refundable fee.
  • The Office of Medical Cannabidiol will review the caregiver registration application and email you once approved. The email will include a temporary card. A permanent card will be mailed out afterward.

Reciprocity

Iowa does not accept out-of-state medical cannabis cards at dispensaries. However, cannabis cardholders from other states can possess products that fall within the Iowa medical cannabis program guidelines.While Iowa does not practice medical marijuana reciprocity, several other states do, and they will recognize an Iowa medical marijuana card. The following states and territories accept or recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards:

  • Arizona
  • Arkansas *
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii *
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Michigan (at the dispensary’s discretion)
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey *
  • New Mexico
  • Oklahoma *
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rhode Island
  • U.S. Virgin Islands *
  • Utah * (up to two 21-day periods in a calendar year)
  • Washington, D.C.

*Visitors must complete a visiting patient application with the state program.


FAQs

How much does an Iowa medical marijuana certificate and card cost?

An online consultation for an Iowa medical marijuana card costs $99 and includes a 1-year medical marijuana certification. You’ll only be charged if approved. Plus, now you can sign up with a friend and each save 10% on your consultation. Patients will also pay a separate $100 application fee to the Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Program. Here’s the fee overview:
  • $99 Initial certificate from Leafwell
  • $99 Renewal certificate from Leafwell
  • $100 State application fee*($25 reduced fee with proof of SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, or Hawk-I)
*State fees are not included with Leafwell fees and are paid directly to the state.

What medical conditions qualify for a medical marijuana card in Iowa?

In Iowa, the following medical conditions may qualify you for a medical marijuana certificate and card:
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig's Disease
  • 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.
  • Chronic pain
  • Corticobasal Degeneration
  • Crohn's disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with severe and persistent muscle spasms
  • Parkinson's Disease (PD)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Seizures
  • Severe, intractable pediatric autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • 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.

What do I need to know about applying for my medical cannabis card in Iowa online?

With Leafwell, applying for an Iowa medical marijuana card online is simple. Here’s what to expect:
  1. Register with Leafwell, speak to an Iowa-licensed healthcare provider online, and get approved. Consultations cost $99 and you’ll only be charged if approved.
  2. Download your doctor’s recommendation and submit it with your state application to the Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Program.
  3. You will receive an email from the state when your application has been processed. Online applications are typically processed in one to two days, while applications received by mail can take one to two weeks.
  4. Once your application is approved, you will receive a temporary card via email that can be used to purchase cannabis until your state-issued physical card arrives in the mail.

How old do I have to be to apply for a medical marijuana card in Iowa?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a medical marijuana card in Iowa. Minor patients must have consent from a custodial parent or legal guardian to apply. Caregivers must be at least 18 years old.

Can I be/have a caregiver for a medical marijuana patient in Iowa?

Yes, medical marijuana patients in Iowa can have a caregiver. Caregivers will complete their own application and must also be listed on the patient’s Healthcare Practitioner Certification form. Caregiver Requirements:
  1. Be listed on the Healthcare Practitioner Certification form as the designated primary caregiver.
  2. Be at least 18 years of age.
  3. Be a resident of Iowa or a bordering state (Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, or Wisconsin).
  4. If caring for more than one patient, you must submit a separate application for each patient.
To apply as a caregiver, follow this process:
  1. You will need your associated patient’s completed Healthcare Practitioner Certification form with you listed as a caregiver on page 1.
  2. Click on the Online Caregiver Registration button found on this page.
  3. Select if you are a new or renewing caregiver.
    1. If renewing, you’ll be asked for your registration number and email address. The registration number can be found on your previously issued Iowa medical cannabis card.
  4. Select if you are applying as a caregiver for a minor or adult patient.
    1. If for an adult patient, your associated patient must have a currently issued Iowa medical cannabis card for you to be approved. You’ll be asked to provide their registration number on the application.
    2. If for a minor patient, they do not need to apply as a patient. You will be issued a card on their behalf when approved.
  5. Fill out the online application.
    1. If applying to be a caregiver for an adult patient, you’ll enter their registration number on the application.
    2. If applying to be a caregiver for a minor patient, you’ll have a section to complete their demographic information.
  6. Upload required images.
    1. The patient’s completed healthcare practitioner form with you listed as a primary caregiver on page 1.
    2. A photo of the front of your valid driver’s license or state-issued non-operator’s ID.
  7. Electronically sign the attestation and submit.
    1. Once you click submit, an attestation statement will appear. Enter the same email you used on the application, and check the box to complete the electronic signature.
  8. Complete your payment.
    1. After signing the attestation and submitting you’ll be directed to a payment screen to pay the $25 caregiver registration fee.
  9. When your application is reviewed you will receive an email stating that you are either approved or pending information.
    1. If Approved, you’ll receive an approval email with your valid digital card attached as a PDF. Your permanent card will be mailed to the address on your application.
    2. If Pending Information, you’ll receive an email stating which items are missing, and you can upload the missing items or make a payment using a link in that email.
State Resources:

How do I apply for the medical cannabis program in Iowa?

After you’ve been approved, you will receive your Healthcare Practitioner Certification Form via email, and then you can apply to the state. This process is the same for new and renewal patients.

Before you start, have the following ready:

  • Photo ID (Iowa Driver’s License or Non-operator Iowa State ID)
  • Healthcare Practitioner Certification Form (emailed to you from Leafwell)
  • Debit card, credit card, or e-check

Getting your Iowa medical card online:

The state recommends using Chrome, Safari, and Edge as your browser.
  • Go to the Iowa Medical Cannabis website and click "Online Patient Registration."
  • Select if you are a new or renewing patient.
    • If you are renewing, you will be asked to provide your registration number and email address. Your registration number can be found on your previous Iowa medical card. You will want to use the same email you used the previous year.
  • Fill out the online application. Double-check for errors with your name, date of birth, and driver’s license number before submission.
  • Upload the required documents. The document upload buttons are further down on the adult patient application. Click the "choose file" buttons to select and upload your file.
  • Once you click submit, an attestation statement will appear. Enter the same email you used on the application, and check the box to complete the electronic signature and submit.
  • Complete your payment.
  • When your application is reviewed you will receive an email stating whether your application is approved or pending information.
    • If approved, you will receive an approval email with your valid digital card attached as a PDF.
    • If pending information, you will receive an email stating which items are missing. Use the link in that email to either upload missing items or complete payment.
State Resources: