Iowa Marijuana Compliance
In Iowa, while recreational marijuana remains illegal, medical marijuana is legal under specific conditions. Contrary to the previous understanding, the state has progressed from the 2014 Medical Cannabidiol (CBD) Act, which initially legalized possession of CBD products with up to 3% THC for epilepsy treatment. The law has since been expanded to include a broader range of medical conditions. These changes are managed under the Medical Cannabis Program by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, which provides guidelines for legal possession and use of medical marijuana.
While employers in Iowa can test for marijuana use, they must comply with established state drug testing laws. This means employers must adhere to specific procedures and policies when conducting drug tests on employees or applicants.
Register for a drug test online by clicking the "Register Now" button below. You can also call (888) 378-2499 with any questions about our drug testing services.
This Information Is Not Intended for Legal Purposes
The information provided on this page is intended for your own knowledge, and should not be used for legal matters. Since marijuana testing regulations can vary, we advise you to seek the guidance of expert legal counsel when creating your company's substance abuse screening program.
Iowa Marijuana Compliance
Iowa Marijuana Laws
Overall Status: Partially Illegal
As of now, in Iowa, recreational marijuana remains illegal with possession leading to criminal charges, including jail time and fines. However, under the Medical Cannabidiol Act, qualified Iowa residents are allowed to possess and use CBD oil with limited THC content for medical treatment of various debilitating conditions. This includes conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, seizures, AIDS/HIV, and Crohn's disease. The program is strictly regulated by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Employers in Iowa may test workers for marijuana use, adhering to specific drug testing rules.
Medical Marijuana: Legal
The consumption, possession, and sale of medical marijuana in Iowa is legal for patients with specific qualifying conditions under the Medical Cannabidiol Act. This program is regulated by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and requires patients to have a valid registration card. The Act allows for the possession of CBD and THC products, subject to regulations, for conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, seizures, AIDS/HIV, and Crohn's disease, among others. Products are available from licensed dispensaries in Iowa.
Decriminalized: No
Although a recent 2021 Iowa proposal recommends reducing the severity of criminal charges for first-time marijuana possession offenders, no legislative efforts up to date have successfully decriminalized marijuana within the state. Under the current Iowa marijuana compliance law, any amount of marijuana possession is classified as a misdemeanor. First-time offenders can face up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000, with second-time offenders facing up to a year in prison and a fine between $315 and $1,875.
Recreational Marijuana: Illegal
As with medicinal marijuana, there are no recreational marijuana laws within the state of Iowa. Unless qualified by the state to possess CBD products of 3% THC or less under the Medical Cannabidiol Act, an Iowa resident faces up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up $1,000 for their first offense if found in possession of marijuana.
Last updated 1/15/2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana legal in Iowa?
In the state of Iowa, medical marijuana is legal for certain qualifying conditions, regulated by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Recreational marijuana, however, remains illegal. Employers are permitted to include marijuana testing in their drug testing programs, provided they adhere to Iowa's drug testing laws.
What is Iowa's history with marijuana?
Iowa's Medical Cannabidiol Act of 2014 initially legalized the possession of CBD products with a limited THC content for epilepsy treatment. This law has since been expanded to include a broader range of medical conditions.
What is the punishment for possession in Iowa?
Possessing any amount of marijuana in Iowa is classified as a misdemeanor. First-time offenders can face up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. The penalties increase for subsequent offenses.
Drug Tests That Exclude Marijuana
Urine Drug Panels That Do Not Include Marijuana Testing
Some of the popular drug tests that remove THC from the panel of drugs being tested are listed below:
Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug panels that exclude marijuana. Drug tests that do not include marijuana testing can be found under the "Exclude Marijuana" section.
Hair Drug Tests That Do Not Include Marijuana Testing
To remove marijuana testing from a hair test, try one of our two popular hair tests:
For a complete list of our hair drug tests, take a look at our comprehensive list of hair tests.
Drug Panels That Include Marijuana
Urine Drug Tests That Include THC Testing
If marijuana testing is needed, the below urine drug panels include testing for THC:
For a complete list of urine drug panels that we offer, view our urine drug panels here.
Hair Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing
The following are hair drug tests that include testing for THC:
A comprehensive list of the hair drug panels that we offer can be found here.