How's Pot Doing in Iowa?
Cannabis is 40% Legal in Iowa
Last reviewed: January 13, 2026
Is it legal for adults to possess cannabis in the state of Iowa?
NO
""Except as authorized by this chapter, it is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess a controlled substance unless such substance was obtained directly from, or pursuant to, a valid prescription or order of a practitioner while acting in the course of the practitioner's professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by this chapter."" - legis.iowa.gov
Is it legal for adults to buy cannabis in a store in the state of Iowa?
NO
Is it legal for adults to grow cannabis in the state of Iowa?
NO
Is it legal for medical marijuana patients to possess cannabis in the state of Iowa?
YES
""It is an affirmative and complete defense to the prosecution that the patient has been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition, used or possessed medical cannabidiol pursuant to a certification by a health care practitioner, and possessed no more than the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol authorized to be purchased in a ninety-day period."" - legis.iowa.gov
Is it legal for medical marijuana patients to buy cannabis in a store in the state of Iowa?
YES
"Medical CBD is only sold at facilities licensed and regulated by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). To purchase medical cannabis (CBD) products, a medical card is required." - hhs.iowa.gov
Is it legal for medical marijuana patients to grow cannabis in the state of Iowa?
NO
""All manufacturing, cultivating, harvesting, packaging, and processing of medical cannabidiol shall take place in an enclosed, locked facility at a physical address provided to the department during the licensure process."" - legis.iowa.gov