On May 12, 2017, Governor Branstad signed HF 524 into law. According to the Iowa Department of Health Office of Medical Cannabidiol Website (accessed Oct. 17, 2017), “a person may recommend, possess, use, dispense, deliver, transport, or administer cannabidiol if the recommendation, possession, use, dispensing, delivery, transporting, or administering is in accordance with new chapter 124E of the Iowa Code.”
At a Glance
At a Glance
Year started: 2014
Age restriction: 18+
Available for purchase in state: Yes
Home grow: No
Possession limit: none found
Reciprocity: Yes
Legislation: SF 2360
Important Legislation & Dates
Important Legislation & Dates
SF 2360, on May 30, 2014, thereby allowing for the possession and/or use, of “CBD Cannabis Oil” that contains no more than 3 percent (%) of THC (tetrahydrocannabidiol), by patients diagnosed with intractable epilepsy, who have a written recommendation from their neurologist.
May 12, 2017, Gov. Terry Brandstand signed H.B 524 (Act), legalizing the use of low-THC cannabis oil for qualified patients. The law also allows for marijuana businesses to provide patients with in-state access to the cannabis oil by December 1, 2018
Types of Licenses
Types of Licenses
In-state Dispensary – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) will issue a competitive process for the selection of up to five medical cannabidiol dispensaries in Iowa.
Cultivation – two manufacturers to possess, cultivate, harvest, transport, package, process, and supply medical cannabidiol within the state.
• The first manufacturer license was issued to MedPharm Iowa, LLC, on December 1, 2017, through a competitive bid process. The Department reserves the right to re-issue a competitive bid for the second license. This would likely occur later in Spring 201
Dispensary – Up to five (5) dispensary licenses will be issued and they must be open to patients by December 1, 2018. Dispensaries will be able to dispense/sell medical cannabidiol to registered patients. Dispensaries will be located throughout the state depending on geographic need. The department shall license new medical cannabidiol dispensaries or relicense the existing medical cannabidiol dispensaries by December 1 of each year
Associated Fees
Associated Fees
Cultivation – Nonrefundable application fee of $7500
Dispensary – Non refundable application fee = $5000
Obtaining CBD Oil
Obtaining CBD Oil
Be a patient with a valid Medical Cannabidiol Registration Card. This is an option for persons age 18 and older with a qualifying debilitating medical condition. Each patient must submit a fee of $100
Be a designated primary caregiver with a valid Medical Cannabidiol Registration Card. Application fee = $25
Qualifying Conditions
Qualifying Conditions
• Epilepsy
• Cancer (with severe or chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, cachexia or severe wasting);
• Multiple sclerosis with severe and persistent muscle spasms;
• Seizures;
• AIDS or HIV (as defined in Iowa Code, section 141A.1);
• Crohn’s disease;
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS);
• 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);
• Parkinson’s disease; and
• Untreatable pain.
Caregiver
Caregiver
Primary caregivers may possess and assist with administration of CBD oil to a registered patient. There are no in-state providers or producers under SF 2360. Instead, patients must obtain their CBD oil from a state that allows for reciprocity to purchase CBD oil in that state.
Physicians
Physicians
Under SF 2360, only neurologists may recommend CBD oil, and they may only recommend it to patients are treating for intractable epilepsy.
