Apply for Your Iowa Medical Marijuana Card
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How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Iowa Step By Step
Iowa patients have been allowed to legally acquire medicinal cannabis to treat qualifying illnesses since the state of Iowa enacted the Medical Cannabidiol Act in 2017 and its 2020 amendment. Cannabis can be used to treat a range of medical illnesses, including epilepsy, intractable autism, severe wasting/wasting syndrome, untreatable pain, and HIV/AIDS.
The application procedure for an Iowa medical marijuana card might seem complicated, but the Sanctuary is here to assist you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to completing the process.
Step 1: Identify Your Qualifying Condition
The medicinal cannabidiol program in Iowa allows for a wide range of qualifying ailments. A healthcare practitioner must certify that you have one of the following conditions in order for you to be eligible:
- Cancer resulting in severe pain, nausea, vomiting, cachexia, or wasting
- Seizures
- Crohn’s disease
- Chronic pain
- Multiple sclerosis with persistent muscle spasms
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Any terminal illness
- Ulcerative colitis
- Intractable pediatric autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors
- Corticobasal degeneration
Step 2: Meet with a Licensed Physician
Next, make an appointment with a licensed physician and ask them to verify your qualifying condition. Any licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, or podiatrist is considered an eligible healthcare practitioner in Iowa. For your visit, bring a blank copy of the Iowa Healthcare Practitioner Certification Form.
After your doctor has completed the form, you must submit it. It is usually easier to upload it using the associated QR code on the form. Remember that it is only effective for 60 days after it is signed.
If you need help finding a doctor, the Sanctuary can assist you. For additional information about our Iowa telemedicine services, please contact us.
When purchasing more than 4.5 grams of THC at a time, an additional form is necessary. Bring the necessary waiver to your doctor’s appointment if you would like to have that privilege. The form is available on the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) website.
Step 3: Compile Your Paperwork
You must submit an application to the IDPH once you have seen a medical marijuana doctor and gotten your papers signed. They will need the following documentation:
- Healthcare Practitioner Certification Form
- Photocopy or scan of your Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID
- Proof of reduced payment (if applicable)
- Valid payment (debit, credit, or e-check)
Minors and adults with caretakers must fill out a caregiver registration form. Iowa MMJ cards are only good for one year, after which they must be renewed.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve gathered all of your papers, proceed to the IDPH’s website. Scroll down to the “Patient Registration” button and click it.
This will open the adult application form, which requires the following information:
- First name
- Middle name
- Last name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Driver’s license or state ID number
- Primary phone number
- Secondary phone number
- Email address
- Primary contact method
- Permanent Iowa address
You may upload all of your documentation on the same page. Include copies of your photo identification, Healthcare Practitioner Certification, and payment waiver (if applicable). You can reduce or cancel your payment using a Social Security Disability benefit notification, Supplemental Security Income payment receipt, or Iowa Medicaid card.
Finally, at the bottom, click the “Submit” button and read the attestation statement on the following page. Make sure you use the same email address that you used in the contact information field at the bottom of the page. Then click the box that confirms you understand the attestation statement and sign it electronically.
The last page will have a payment form. Most patients must pay $100, However, if you file a waiver with your application, you can pay a reduced price of $25.
Step 5: Receive Your Medical Marijuana Card
After you have completed your payment, you will receive an email stating whether you’ve been approved or denied. If you are approved, you will receive an email with a temporary card that may be used at dispensaries right away. A physical copy will be mailed to you later.
Before awarding you a card, the state may ask for supplementary personal information or medical documents based on your individual application.
A caregiver card must be obtained through the same application process.
After enrolling in Iowa’s medical marijuana program, you’ll be able to use your cannabis card to purchase a wide range of cannabis goods, including topical creams, tinctures, lotions, vapes, gels, and even CBD items.
Need Help Obtaining an Iowa Medical Marijuana Card?
Do you want to get an Iowa medical cannabidiol card? The Sanctuary Wellness Institute can assist you in navigating the application process so that you can submit a strong application.
We match Iowa patients with qualifying ailments with licensed physicians who can certify them for medical marijuana therapy. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you in acquiring an Iowa medical marijuana card.