Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Marijuana Card in Iowa (2026)
Iowa’s Medical Cannabidiol Program, administered by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, allows residents diagnosed with specific debilitating medical conditions to legally access medical cannabis. The program requires patients to have certification from a licensed healthcare practitioner and to complete an application process to obtain a medical marijuana card.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
A patient may qualify for medical cannabis in Iowa if diagnosed with one or more of the following conditions:
- Cancer (if the illness or its treatment produces severe or chronic pain, nausea, severe vomiting, cachexia, or severe wasting)
- Seizures
- Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic Pain
- Multiple Sclerosis with severe and persistent muscle spasms
- AIDS or HIV
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Terminal illness with probable life expectancy under one year (if illness or treatment causes severe or chronic pain, nausea, or cachexia)
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Severe, intractable autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors
- Corticobasal Degeneration
Eligibility Requirements
- Be an Iowa resident with proof of residency
- Be 18 years or older (minors require an approved registered caregiver application)
- Have written certification from a state-licensed healthcare practitioner with a bona fide provider-patient relationship
Application Process
- Get Certification: Schedule an appointment with a licensed Iowa healthcare practitioner who evaluates your condition and provides a Healthcare Practitioner Certification Form if you qualify.
- Submit Application: Complete the online application at the Iowa Medical Cannabis patient registration portal, uploading required documents such as photo ID, proof of residency, and the certification form.
- Pay Fee: Pay the application fee, typically $100 for adults, with reduced fees for Medicaid or Social Security recipients.
- Receive Card: After approval, receive a digital card via email and a permanent card by mail to use at licensed dispensaries.
Caregivers and Minors
Patients under 18 must have a registered caregiver authorized to apply on their behalf. Caregivers must meet state requirements and are the only persons allowed to purchase and administer medical cannabis for minors.
Booking an Appointment with Licensed Doctors
For Iowa residents seeking quick access to medical marijuana certification, same-day appointments with licensed Iowa medical marijuana doctors are available at:
This service offers telehealth evaluations with state-licensed physicians to help patients get certified efficiently for Iowa’s Medical Cannabis Program.