Iowa Cannabis Guide: Dispensaries, Delivery & Deals
Iowa's medical cannabis program is among the most restrictive in the United States. The Marijuana Policy Project categorizes it as a "low-THC law" rather than a full medical cannabis program....
THC City Guides • Iowa (IA)
Iowa THC Delivery, Weed Deals & Cannabis Guides
Start with product categories, then drill into cities and neighborhoods for cleaner decisions and less noise.
Overview
Iowa's medical cannabis program is among the most restrictive in the United States. The Marijuana Policy Project categorizes it as a "low-THC law" rather than a full medical cannabis program.
Key Restrictions:
- Only 5 dispensaries in the entire state
- NO smokable flower allowed
- NO edibles (gummies, chocolates) allowed
- 4.5 grams of THC per 90-day limit (waiver available)
- Only 2 licensed manufacturers
- No home cultivation
- No delivery
Available Products:
- Vaporization cartridges
- Oral forms (capsules, tablets, tinctures)
- Topicals (creams, lotions)
- Suppositories
- Nebulized inhalable forms
Recreational cannabis remains fully illegal with harsh penalties. First-offense possession of even a single joint can result in up to 6 months jail and $1,000 fine - one of the most severe first-offense penalties in the country.
Neighboring Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri have all legalized recreational cannabis, making Iowa increasingly isolated in its prohibitionist stance.
Legal Snapshot
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| Medical Status | Legal but VERY restrictive |
| Recreational Status | FULLY ILLEGAL |
| Dispensaries | 5 total statewide |
| Flower/Smokables | NOT ALLOWED |
| Edibles | NOT ALLOWED |
| THC Limit | 4.5 grams per 90 days (waiver available) |
| Manufacturers | 2 licensed (MedPharm Iowa, Iowa Cannabis Company) |
| Home Cultivation | NOT ALLOWED |
| Delivery | NOT ALLOWED |
| Out-of-State Cards | Can possess, but CANNOT purchase in Iowa |
| First Offense Possession | Up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine |
Buying Across State Lines
Iowa is surrounded by states with varying cannabis laws:
ILLINOIS (East): Recreational legal since 2020. Illinois dispensaries are accessible but bringing products back to Iowa is a CRIME - both state and federal offense.
MISSOURI (South): Recreational legal since 2022. Same warning - do not transport to Iowa.
MINNESOTA (North): Recreational legal since 2023. Do not transport to Iowa.
NEBRASKA (West): Medical just launched (2024), very limited. Both states restrictive.
SOUTH DAKOTA (Northwest): Medical only. Do not transport.
WISCONSIN (Northeast): Fully illegal. No concerns there.
Out-of-State Card Holders:
If you have a valid medical cannabis card from another state, you MAY legally possess Iowa-approved product forms in Iowa. However, you CANNOT purchase from Iowa dispensaries. You can only possess products you legally obtained elsewhere.
WARNING: Many Iowa patients travel to Illinois for recreational purchases. This is technically illegal and transporting back to Iowa is a crime.
What People Actually Pay
Iowa cannabis prices are HIGH due to limited competition:
Estimated Prices:
- Vape cartridges: $45-$80
- Tinctures: $50-$100
- Capsules: $40-$80
- Topicals: $40-$70
Why So Expensive:
- Only 2 manufacturers = no price competition
- Only 5 dispensaries = limited retail competition
- Small patient base = low volume
- Strict regulations = high compliance costs
- Insurance does NOT cover medical cannabis
Payment:
- Cash accepted at all locations
- Debit cards accepted at most locations
- Credit cards NOT accepted (federal banking restrictions)
- No insurance coverage
THC Limit Impact:
With only 4.5g THC per 90 days (without waiver), patients must carefully budget their purchases. This often means choosing high-THC products to maximize relief within limits.
How Access & Delivery Work
Delivery is NOT ALLOWED in Iowa.
Iowa Administrative Code 641.154.41(2) specifically prohibits dispensaries from delivering medical cannabidiol products to any location.
All purchases must be made in-person at one of the 5 licensed dispensaries. This creates significant access barriers for patients in rural areas far from dispensary locations.
Online ordering for in-store pickup may be available at some locations.
Product Guides
NOT ALLOWED - Iowa prohibits smokable cannabis flower. This is one of the most restrictive aspects of the program.
ALLOWED - Vaporization cartridges are available with various CBD:THC ratios (20:1, 1:1, 1:20, etc.). Primary inhalation method for Iowa patients.
NOT ALLOWED - THC-infused edibles like gummies, chocolates, and beverages are prohibited.
ALLOWED - Sublingual tinctures are available in various ratios. Place under tongue for absorption.
ALLOWED - Creams, lotions, and balms for external application. Good for localized pain relief.
ALLOWED - Oral capsules and tablets provide precise dosing similar to traditional medication.
Recommended Brands
Iowa has only 2 licensed manufacturers:
MedPharm Iowa (Bud & Mary's brand):
- Operates dispensaries in Windsor Heights and Sioux City
- Offers range of vapes, tinctures, topicals, capsules
- Various CBD:THC ratios available
Iowa Cannabis Company:
- Operates dispensaries in Waterloo, Council Bluffs, Iowa City
- Connected to Cannabis & Glass (Washington state)
- Full product line within Iowa restrictions
No other brands are legally available in Iowa. All products must be manufactured in-state by these two licensed producers.
Product Selection:
Both manufacturers offer products in various CBD:THC ratios:
- High CBD (20:1) - minimal psychoactive effects
- Balanced (1:1) - moderate effects
- High THC (1:20) - stronger effects
Current Trends (2026)
Iowa Cannabis Trends (January 2026):
Most Restrictive Program: Iowa's medical cannabis program is categorized as a "low-THC law" rather than a full medical program by advocacy groups.
Expansion Efforts:
- SF 46 (2025) proposes expanding from 5 to 10 dispensaries
- Some advocates pushing for flower legalization
- Governor Kim Reynolds remains strongly opposed to expansion
Governor Opposition: Reynolds stated marijuana is a "gateway drug" and has opposed most reform efforts. Her position significantly limits legislative progress.
Racial Disparities: ACLU data shows Black Iowans are nearly 8 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis than white Iowans despite similar usage rates.
Neighboring States: As Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri have all legalized recreational cannabis, Iowa increasingly stands alone in the region.
Patient Numbers: The program serves a relatively small number of patients due to restrictions and cost barriers.
Future Outlook: Significant reform unlikely while current administration remains in power. Incremental improvements (more dispensaries, possibly flower) are more likely than major legalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dispensaries are in Iowa?
Only 5 statewide: Windsor Heights, Sioux City, Waterloo, Council Bluffs, and Iowa City.
Can I buy flower in Iowa?
No. Smokable flower is prohibited. Only vapes, tinctures, topicals, and capsules are allowed.
Can I buy edibles in Iowa?
No. THC-infused edibles like gummies and chocolates are not allowed.
What is the THC limit?
4.5 grams of THC per 90 days. Patients can request a waiver for higher amounts.
Can I use my out-of-state medical card?
You can possess approved products but CANNOT purchase from Iowa dispensaries.
Is recreational marijuana legal?
No. Recreational use is fully illegal with harsh penalties.
Can I grow my own?
No. Home cultivation is completely prohibited.
Is delivery available?
No. All purchases must be made in-person at dispensaries.
How much does a medical card cost?
$100 annually ($25 with financial hardship waiver).
Can I go to Illinois for cannabis?
You can purchase in IL but transporting back to Iowa is illegal.
Will Iowa legalize recreational?
Unlikely in near term. Governor Reynolds is strongly opposed.
What are the qualifying conditions?
Cancer, seizures, MS, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, PTSD, Crohn's, autism, Parkinson's, and others.
Safety Note
Medical Patients:
- Always carry your registration card
- Only purchase from licensed dispensaries
- Stay within your 90-day THC limits
- Do not share with non-patients
- Do not drive impaired
Non-Patients (Recreational):
Cannabis possession is ILLEGAL for non-patients. Penalties are harsh:
- Any amount (first offense): Up to 6 months jail, $430-$2,560 fine
- Second offense: Increased penalties
- Third offense: Felony charges possible
Iowa has one of the most severe first-offense penalties in the nation.
Paraphernalia:
Possession of drug paraphernalia is a separate offense with additional penalties.
Driving:
Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal. Iowa has zero-tolerance policies.
If Arrested:
- Remain calm
- Exercise right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately
- Contact an Iowa criminal defense attorney
Search by product
Shop by Product Category
Start with product type in Iowa. This layer supports real buyer intent and gives you clean paths into deeper pages.
Product Guides
Shop by Product Category
Explore product guides, pricing signals, and what to look for before you buy.
Want More Local Traffic For Your THC Business?
Get listed on this page and any page in the THC City Guides network. Lock in a prime slot before your competitors do.
Some of our Friends! Looking to purchase THC Products?
These guides are built to host premium category placements for trusted brands. If you run a THC business and want visibility on this page, see the options below.
Cali Greens is a premium brand placement built for shoppers who want trusted options and consistent weed deals across California.
Lucky Farms serves California with reliable cannabis delivery and curated menus. This placement connects local shoppers directly to their brand.
We reserve a handful of premium placements on each guide for brands we trust. If you run a THC delivery service, dispensary, or product line and want visibility in this market, reach out and we’ll send over placement options.
Brands
Featured brands across the network
Promotions and placements, not endorsements.
Some listings may be promotional. Always shop responsibly and follow local rules.
Delivery services
Delivery services
Delivery listings live inside each state pack so they stay local and accurate.
This directory is being built out. If you want to be featured here, request placement below.
Dispensary storefronts
Dispensary storefronts
Storefront directories are built state-by-state for relevance.
This directory is being built out. If you want to be featured here, request placement below.
City hubs
Browse Iowa city hubs
City hubs are comparison layers. Neighborhood pages are decision layers.
Find Your City
15 cities covered in Iowa — type to filter instantly
💡 Can't find your city? We're adding new locations weekly. Request a city
Local routing + decision-first structure for shoppers and operators.
Local routing + decision-first structure for shoppers and operators.
Comparison-first city hub with neighborhood depth. Built for real THC intent.
Comparison-first city hub with neighborhood depth. Built for real THC intent.
Local routing + decision-first structure for shoppers and operators.
City hub designed to reduce noise: browse neighborhoods, compare fast, decide clean.
City hub designed to reduce noise: browse neighborhoods, compare fast, decide clean.
Local routing + decision-first structure for shoppers and operators.
Local routing + decision-first structure for shoppers and operators.
City hub designed to reduce noise: browse neighborhoods, compare fast, decide clean.
Comparison-first city hub with neighborhood depth. Built for real THC intent.
Comparison-first city hub with neighborhood depth. Built for real THC intent.
City hub designed to reduce noise: browse neighborhoods, compare fast, decide clean.
Local routing + decision-first structure for shoppers and operators.
Comparison-first city hub with neighborhood depth. Built for real THC intent.
