Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* What are the qualifying conditions for participation in Iowa’s CBD program?
These can be found on the Iowa Department of Public Health’s website (www.idph.iowa.gov/omc)
· Chronic Pain
· Cancer / Terminal Illnesses
· Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
· Parkinson’s Disease
· ALS
· Seizure Disorders
· Crohn’s Disease
· PTSD
· HIV / AIDS
· Autism
· Ulcerative Colitis
· Intellectual Disability
* Where can I find the paperwork to submit to the state?
The Iowa Department of Public Health, medical cannabidiol office
* Who can certify the paperwork for cannabis recommendation?
· MD/DO
· Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
· Physician Assistant (PA)
· Podiatrist (DPM)
* Does my state issued CBD card expire?
Yes. You must see your health care practitioner every year to review your qualifying conditions and renew your card with the Iowa Department of Public Health.
* What forms of medical cannabinoid products are legally allowed in Iowa?
The legal products must be manufactured in Iowa and hold an approved license from the state. There are different product forms and strengths. These include:
Oral forms – tinctures, tablets, capsules, liquids, and sublingual
Topical forms – gels, ointments, creams, options, and patches
Nebulized form (inhaled)
Suppositories -rectal or vaginal
Vaporization
* Can pediatric patients participate in the program, or does the person have to be at least 21?
A patient of any age can be certified and participate. However, persons under the age of 18 must have an adult caregiver who is authorized to purchase and possess those products for the patient.
* How does someone obtain cannabis from a dispensary?
Patients who have secured a medical cannabidiol card must check-in to a licensed dispensary with both the card and a valid government issued ID. Dispensary staff are required to check this information and verify the patient’s card through a web-based portal. Once this is done a patient may purchase cannabis products. The state has 5 dispensary licenses and 2 manufacturer’s licenses for the state of Iowa.
Med Pharm www.medpharmiowa.com
Iowa Cannabis Co. www.iacanna.com
* Is there a limit on the amount of THC a person can purchase?
People can purchase 4.5g of THC per 90-day period. If the patient and provider determine this is an insufficient amount a waiver can be submitted to the Iowa Department of Public Health which will allow an individual to purchase a higher amount of THC.
* Can an individual grow cannabis at home?
No. It is also illegal to purchase products from another state for use in Iowa.
* Can I travel with cannabis?
Since cannabis is not legal at the federal level, you cannot take product outside of the state in which it was purchased.
* I see retail CBD stores/products in Iowa, so why do I need a card from the state if I can walk in
The answer is rather long and a bit convoluted. Basically, "CBD" products are made either from hemp or from marijuana. Hemp can be legally grown by farmers in Iowa but cannot contain greater than (about) 0.3% THC. It is illegal to sell or possess CBD products manufactured from marijuana plants in Iowa unless you have a qualifying medical condition and have a card issued by the state to purchase those from one of the legal state dispensaries. These products can contain a higher level of THC.