{"id":1760,"date":"2019-03-13T15:41:48","date_gmt":"2019-03-13T15:41:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=1760"},"modified":"2021-03-26T12:52:33","modified_gmt":"2021-03-26T16:52:33","slug":"how-to-get-a-medical-marijuana-card-in-iowa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/how-to-get-a-medical-marijuana-card-in-iowa\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Iowa"},"content":{"rendered":"

Still curious about how to find a medical marijuana doctor in Iowa<\/a> and get approved for legal cannabis treatment in Iowa? Well this article certainly has the answers you have been looking for.<\/p>\n

If you live in Iowa, and you are reading this article, chances are that you already use cannabis. Or maybe at least some form of the medicine. And if you don\u2019t have a medical card already then that suggests you use it illegally.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019re not here to point fingers or make you feel worried, quite the opposite. We want to help you get safe, legal, access to medical cannabis in Iowa. The great news is now there is a way you can start buying cannabis legally in Iowa and have a lot more convenient access to it.<\/p>\n

How do I get medical marijuana in Iowa?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In essence, it is actually a relatively easy process. Historically it used to be tough, and you had to have a terminal illness or jump through several hoops – and go to the doctor multiple times to get certified. But recently, Iowa enhanced their marijuana program and have removed many of the barriers to getting a medical license and now it is much easier, and safer.<\/p>\n

The first step is to book an appointment with a Veriheal Doctor to get evaluated and approved for medical marijuana. The cost to be consulted, evaluated and approved by the doctor is $200. Separate from that, after you are approved you apply to the state (the fee is $100 for a card that is valid for ONE year). Once submitted to the state of Iowa will review your information to confirm you live in Iowa, then approve you and your card will arrive in the mail in 2-4weeks.<\/p>\n

If you receive government assistance or are experiencing financial hardship, then the state fee is reduced to $25. Otherwise, it is $100. So, in total it will cost you $300: $200 for the doctor and $100 to the state (or $225 for financial hardship).<\/p>\n

Once your card is received, you can start shopping at the dispensaries near you. Sound simple enough? Let\u2019s break down some more details.<\/p>\n

When did the medical marijuana program in Iowa start?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The initial legislation passed in 2017 for medical cannabis to be allowed in Iowa under\u00a0House File 524. This is the Act that establishes the regulations and rules on \u201cMedical Cannabidiol\u201d in the state and how it is dispersed.<\/p>\n

After reading the bill, you can even notice that the state of Iowa doesn\u2019t even include the word \u201cmarijuana\u201d in its legal applications at all. That shows how opposed they were at first to accept the plant as medicine. But over time, the program has become more accessible for all patients.<\/p>\n

\u201cMedical Cannabidiol\u201d (cannabidiol, aka CBD) is a non-intoxicating substance in cannabis that provides medical benefits without getting users high.<\/p>\n

It has taken the state a little over a year to start selling cannabis and helping patients get the medicine they need. The first dispensaries opened in December 2018. Since then five other dispensaries have opened:<\/p>\n