Qualifying Conditions to Get an Iowa Medical Marijuana Card
Getting a medical cannabis card is the only way to purchase and possess cannabis legally in Iowa. It also gives patients access to safe, tested product as well as qualified medical guidance and support, increased legal protections, and a registered caregiver (if needed).
To qualify for a medical card and the benefits it provides, patients must meet certain state specified qualifications and have a qualifying condition. Keep scrolling for the complete list of qualifying conditions and other patient requirements to obtain a medical marijuana card in Iowa.
Qualifying Conditions for an Iowa Medical Marijuana Card
Patients may qualify for a medical cannabis card for a number of conditions in Iowa:
- AIDS or HIV as defined in Iowa Code, section 141A.1
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Cancer with severe or chronic pain
- Cancer with nausea or severe vomiting
- Cancer with cachexia or severe wasting
- Chronic pain
- Corticobasal degeneration
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis with severe and persistent muscle spasms
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy
- Severe, intractable autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors
- Ulcerative colitis
- *Any terminal illness with a probable life expectancy of under one year and severe or chronic pain
- *Any terminal illness with a probable life expectancy of under one year and nausea or severe vomiting
- *Any terminal illness with a probable life expectancy of under one year and cachexia or severe wasting
*Note: Conditions marked with an asterisk* immediately qualify for a waiver of the 4.5g THC limit per 90 days. Other conditions may qualify for a waiver but will require a follow-up evaluation following attempted treatment with the 4.5g THC limit first.
The most common qualifying conditions in Iowa include:
- Cancer with severe or chronic pain
- Cancer with nausea or severe vomiting
- Cancer with cachexia or severe wasting
- Chronic pain
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
If your condition isn’t listed, you can petition the Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Board to request they add your medical condition to the state’s list of qualifying conditions.
Patient Qualifications for Medical Marijuana in Iowa
In order to qualify for medical cannabis in Iowa, you must:
- Be a resident of the state of Iowa.*
- Receive an evaluation and approval for cannabis treatment from a state-licensed doctor.
- If approved by a state-licensed doctor, apply with the state.
*Minors won't apply directly. Instead, their parents or guardians will apply for them.
You Meet the Requirements to Qualify for an Iowa Medical Card… Now What?
If you qualify for a medical cannabis card in Iowa, or if you aren’t sure, it’s time to set up an evaluation from a certified professional.
NuggMD connects prospective patients with state-certified medical practitioners who are qualified to recommend cannabis treatment. We believe everyone deserves access to the right medication for their condition, which is why we only charge for the evaluation if you’re approved for medical cannabis treatment.
Learn more about how to get a med card in Iowa.
What Medical Forms Do You Need When Meeting with a Physician in Iowa?
Meeting with a qualified medical cannabis doctor through NuggMD is like seeing your local doctor: you are welcome to ask any questions you may have about your condition or the use of cannabis as part of a treatment regimen.
To receive the best possible care, patients are encouraged to be honest about their condition, their treatment history, and any current medications they are taking.
The following forms and information will make the evaluation and application process as quick and seamless as possible:
- Photo ID / Proof of Residency
- Medical History (to review with your NuggMD doctor)
- Proof of Financial Assistance (if you are eligible and seeking financial assistance)
