Iowa
In 2017, Iowa passed legislation that allows for the use of medical cannabis. The legislation also established a state-run medical cannabis program.
In 2020, Iowa voters approved a constitutional amendment that expanded the state's medical cannabis program. The amendment allows for the use of medical cannabis for a wider range of medical conditions and removes the cap on the amount of medical cannabis that patients can possess.
As of July 2023, there is no legislation in Iowa that would legalize recreational cannabis. However, there are several bills that have been introduced in the state legislature that would do so.
Current Legislation
Possession
Adult-Use: Recreational cannabis is not legal in Iowa.
Medical: Adults with a valid medical marijuana card are allowed to possess up to 4 ounces of medical marijuana, or 2 ounces of concentrate, in public. They are also allowed to possess up to 6 mature plants and 12 immature plants in their primary residence.
Growing
Adult-Use: Recreational cannabis is not legal in Iowa.
Medical: Adults with a valid medical marijuana card are allowed to grow up to 6 mature plants and 12 immature plants in their primary residence.
Selling
Adult-Use: Recreational cannabis is not legal in Iowa.
Medical: The sale of medical marijuana is legal in Iowa. Only licensed medical marijuana dispensaries (MMDs) can sell medical marijuana. MMDs can sell medical marijuana in retail stores, dispensaries, and some hospitals.
Penalties
Adult-Use: The penalties for violating recreational cannabis laws in Iowa are as follows:
For possession of up to 3 ounces of recreational marijuana, the maximum penalty is a fine of $625.
For possession of more than 3 ounces of recreational marijuana, the maximum penalty is a fine of $1,250 and up to 6 months in jail.
Medical: The penalties for violating medical marijuana laws in Iowa are as follows:
For possession of more than 4 ounces of medical marijuana, the maximum penalty is a fine of $1,250.
For cultivation of more than 6 mature plants or 12 immature plants, the maximum penalty is a fine of $1,250.
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