Get an Iowa Medical Marijuana Card

2 documents needed to apply for an Iowa medical marijuana card

To apply for a medical marijuana card in Iowa, you must follow a few essential steps to ensure your eligibility and successful registration.

1. Proof of Identity
   You will need a government-issued photo ID, such as an Iowa-issued driver’s license or Iowa state ID card.
2. Medical Marijuana Recommendation
   After you consult with a registered MMJ physician who can evaluate your condition and provide a recommendation and get approved they will issue you a medical marijuana recommendation. Once approved, you will need to download your Leafwell doctor’s recommendation to submit it with your Iowa state application.

Next steps after approval

Congratulations on getting approved for your medical certification. Here’s a guide to what you need to do next.

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 State ID)
• Healthcare Practitioner Certification Form (emailed to you from Leafwell)
• Debit card, credit card, or e-check
  • Proof of eligibility for reduced fee, if applicable

Getting your Iowa medical marijuana card:

The state recommends using Chrome, Safari, and Edge as your browser.

1. Go to the Iowa Medical Cannabis website and click “Online Patient Registration.”
2. Select if you are a new or renewing patient.
   1. 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 card. You will want to use the same email you used the previous year.
3. Fill out the online application. Double-check for errors with your name, date of birth, and driver’s license number before submission.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Complete your payment.
7. When your application is reviewed you will receive an email stating whether your application is approved or pending information.
   1. If approved, you will receive an approval email with your valid digital card attached as a PDF.
   2. If pendinginformation, 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:

• Online Application and Renewal Guide – Patients
• Patient Registration Information
• Online Application and Renewal Guide – Caregivers
• Caregiver Registration Information

How to renew your medical marijuana card in Iowa

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 limitations for Iowa cannabis cardholders

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.

How to become a medical cannabis caregiver in Iowa

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.

Can I use my Iowa medical marijuana card in other states?

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 marijuana 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.

Minor patient information

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.