How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Iowa [2024 Guide]
In terms of states that legalized medical marijuana, Iowa was relatively late, only having done so in 2014. Despite this initial legalization, the state would not allow medical patients to buy marijuana in Iowa. So, while technically legal, it was virtually impossible to access for several more years.
However, three years later, in 2017, Iowa formed a state medical marijuana program for its cannabis patients. Then, in 2019, the state expanded the legal scope of medical professionals who qualify for MMJ evaluations. Now, Iowa residents can receive these evaluations from physician's assistants, podiatrists, and registered nurse practitioners.
Unfortunately, recreational marijuana is still illegal in Iowa. In addition, residents caught with even small amounts of cannabis can be subject to misdemeanors if they aren't registered medical marijuana patients. Hemp-derived products, such as CBD, are fully legal.
How Do I Become a Medical Cannabis Patient in Iowa?
The MMJ process in Iowa is pretty similar to many other states. Just follow these steps, and you'll be a medical patient in no time!
1.) Sign up on NuggMD
Upon signing up, new patients must take a quick, 30-second questionnaire. This questionnaire is then sent to an Iowa evaluating physician for their review.
2.) Get evaluated by your weed doctor
The Iowa MMJ program does require patients to be evaluated by a state-licensed medical practitioner before they can register. The MMJ doctors on NuggMD are warm and knowledgeable about the medical uses of marijuana.
You'll talk to your practitioner in real-time. You're encouraged to ask as many questions as you have about medical marijuana and how it will interact with your condition and current medications. Many patients benefit from writing their questions down ahead of time so they can cover all the bases during the evaluation.
3.) Wait for your certification to arrive by email
You'll need to wait for your MMJ certificate to be emailed after your medical evaluation. This should take between 24 - 48 hours.
4.) Complete the Iowa State Registration
Once you have your MMJ certification, you can complete the Iowa state registration. Simply log onto the Iowa MMJ patient application portal to complete this registration.
5.) Wait for your approval
Once you're approved by the state, they will send you a temporary patient ID card via email. Once you have this, you're allowed to start purchasing medicinal cannabis products in Iowa.
How Do I Renew a Med Card in Iowa?
Iowa med cards are only valid for one year. Therefore, they must be renewed annually if you wish to remain a medical patient in the state. The renewal process is the same as the initial application - another medical evaluation is necessary.
Who Qualifies for Medical Cannabis in Iowa?
Iowa residents who are diagnosed with a qualifying condition and certified by a state-licensed medical provider can qualify for the medical marijuana program.
A range of medical conditions in Iowa, including chronic pain and PTSD, legally qualify for medical marijuana treatments. Patients will need to complete an evaluation with a certified medical practitioner to receive a recommendation.
View the complete list of qualifying conditions in Iowa and see if you may qualify for medical cannabis.
How to Find an Iowa Medical Marijuana Doctor for an MMJ Evaluation
If you live in Iowa, we don't need to tell you how rural the state is. So, it could be difficult for some to find a medical provider in your local area to conduct a medical marijuana evaluation.
Luckily, you can always receive a medical evaluation from the comfort of your own home with NuggMD! Our telemedicine platform allows Iowa patients to connect with state-licensed physicians and medical practitioners to certify them for medical marijuana treatments.
So long as you have your medical records on hand, you can receive a NuggMD evaluation in minutes. Be sure to collect the following beforehand:
- Patient charts
- Current prescriptions
- Physical therapy records
- Medical test results
- Hospital records
So, if you can't find a physician in your local area or don't want to visit a doctor's office, be sure to visit NuggMD Iowa.
Get Your Medical Cannabis Recommendation Online: The NuggMD Process
Despite the potential difficulties in finding an Iowa weed doctor, you can always receive your necessary medical evaluations online using NuggMD! Here's how Iowa patients can do it:
- Create your account on NuggMD, and upload copies of your available medical records,
- Select a method of payment to pay the $109 evaluation fee,
- Wait a few moments in the NuggMD virtual waiting room to meet with your evaluating physician,
- Obtain your MMJ certification via email,
- Use your MMJ certification to register with the Iowa state MMJ program.
It's that simple, really!
What to Expect When Talking to an Iowa Medical Marijuana Doctor on NuggMD
NuggMD medical evaluations are legally valid MMJ evaluations in Iowa. That means that patients shouldn't expect much difference between an in-person and online evaluation. You'll be asked about the current medications you're taking along with current medical treatments.
Your evaluating physician may require additional medical records before approving you for MMJ use, depending on your situation.
During your medical evaluations, you'll have an opportunity to ask questions about medicinal cannabis or discuss your concerns. Don't hesitate to ask or discuss anything with your physician. The NuggMD doctors are here to help and are happy to educate you about anything you need to know about MMJ.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Cannabis in Iowa
New to medical cannabis? Keep scrolling for some of the most common cannabis questions our medical practitioners receive.
What Types of Cannabis Products Are Available in Iowa?
While medicinal use of marijuana is technically legal in Iowa, it places many restrictions on the kinds of marijuana products allowed. Iowa med patients can use tablets, capsules, liquids, tinctures, sublingual, topical gels, lotions, transdermal patches, nebulizers, vaporizers, and suppositories.
Most notably, the state does not allow medical patients to use smokable marijuana products like flower, joints, or concentrates. In addition, edible marijuana products, such as gummies or brownies, are still illegal.
What Does Marijuana Feel Like?
Using marijuana is typically a euphoric and relaxing experience for most people. However, different combinations of THC and CBD will have differing effects. The usual effects of THC are:
- Lowered energy or tiredness,
- Boosted sense of humor,
- Altered sense of time,
- Increased difficulty focusing,
- Feelings of calm and relaxation,
- Momentary memory loss.
CBD, on the other hand, tends to make the user feel relaxed without the intoxicating effects associated with THC. CBD is often taken in certain ratios with THC to balance the effects. It's common to see ratios of 20:1, 10:1, 5:1 and 1:1 CBD to THC in Iowa. You can also purchase THC-only and CBD-only products.
It's not uncommon to feel some discomfort or unpleasant side effects after using THC-only cannabis, particularly if you've used too much. However, despite the discomfort, adverse effects are typically mild. Still, it's important to start low and go slow.
It's difficult to say what a suitable recommended starter dosage is. Everyone's body is different, and everyone metabolizes marijuana differently. A dose as high as 10mg may be appropriate for you, although this could be too much for some users. So, it's important to speak in depth with your practitioner about your starting dosage and contact them for an adjustment if you feel any discomfort or unease.
The onset of effects will vary considerably from person to person. Vaporizing marijuana has the fastest onset, with effects usually only taking a few minutes to feel. Edibles and capsules, on the other hand, can take much longer. Some patients may need to wait between 30 minutes to 3 hours to feel the effects.
Because of this, some new patients may find value in having someone sit with them the first couple of times they use marijuana products. Then, if you start feeling uncomfortable or paranoid, there is someone there to comfort or help you.
What If My Dose Is Too High?
Don't get stressed or embarrassed if you've taken too high of a marijuana dose. It happens to everyone from time to time. You'll only feel uncomfortable temporarily. Simply call your physician and have your dosage adjusted as soon as possible. Meanwhile, check out this post for tips that help some patients sober up from weed a little faster. As always, seek medical attention immediately if you're experiencing a medical emergency.
Have More Questions About How to Get Your Med Card in Iowa?
If you have additional questions, visit our complete Iowa medical cannabis FAQs or check out one of our other Iowa-specific patient resources.
- Iowa Cannabis Laws & Regulations
- Qualifying Conditions in Iowa
- Benefits of Getting a Med Card in Iowa
- How to Become a Caregiver in Iowa
If you need any extra help, you can always reach out to the customer service team at NuggMD! Our support staff is always willing to help you with any questions or concerns you may be having about medical marijuana treatments.
We know the evaluation and registration process can feel overwhelming or confusing. Luckily, our customer service team answers hundreds of inquiries every day. They've got the experience to help you overcome any stumbling blocks you might encounter along the way.
NuggMD has helped over 1,000,000 patients connect with their medical marijuana doctor from the comfort of home since 2016.
