Iowa Cannabis Legalization

In May 2014, Governor Terry Branstad signed the Medical Cannabidiol Act, allowing the possession of CBD oil on the recommendation of a neurologist for the treatment of intractable epilepsy in children. Iowa Code Chapter 124E was adopted on May 12, 2017 and established the Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Program. The program was launched and the products became available to patients on December 1, 2018. In 2020, the law was revised (HF 2589), expanding the list of qualifying conditions and replacing the 3% limit with a cap of 4.5 grams per patient per 90 days. Approved forms of use are oral and topical forms, including but not limited to: tablets and tinctures, nebulized inhalations, suppositories and vaporizers.

Iowa Cannabis Market Stats

In 2023, Iowa’s medical cannabis patient registry exceeded 18,000 with more than 2,200 health care providers were certifying patients for the medical cannabidiol program. The program generated around $3.5 million in cannabis sales in 2020, almost doubled in 2021 and exceeded $10 million in 2022. In 2023, the program had combined sales of $13.6 million at five Iowa dispensaries, up 24% from $10.2 million in 2022.

In 2023, sales exceeded $1 million every month according to the annual report. The average transaction price amongst Iowa’s licensed dispensaries decreased to about $121 in November 2023 from $133 in December 2022.

Iowa Cannabis Market Infographics

Iowa Hemp Industry