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Iowa has one of the most confusing CBD cultures in the US. Even though you’ll see CBD-infused products like water and essential oils in some drugstores, buying and carrying them is illegal. So why are those products sold and who, if anyone, can buy them? If you want to learn more about buying the best CBD oil Iowa has to offer and doing it legally, here’s what you need to know.
Medical Cannabidiol
In 2015, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed the Medical Cannabidiol Act. With it, patients who have intractable epilepsy, with a signed recommendation from a neurologist, could legally buy and use CBD oil. However, the law didn’t say where and how they could shop for the oil, and there were no dispensaries in Iowa at the time.
Fortunately, in 2017, Iowa lawmakers expanded the law to include more conditions, and dispensaries started popping up across the state. Now, the list of medical conditions includes:
- Cancer, but only if the treatment or illness cause vomiting and chronic pain
- AIDS or HIV
- Crohn’s Disease
- ALS
- MS
- Seizures
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Untreatable pain and a few others
Keep in mind that since cannabis is still illegal under Iowa state law, patients can only buy CBD oil that has less than 0.3% THC. Also, patients have to buy CBD that’s in oral, topical, nebulizing, suppository, or vaporizing form.
Applying for a Medical Cannabidiol Registration Card
If you suffer from any of those conditions, you can apply for a medical cannabidiol registration card in Iowa. The first step to getting one is visiting your local physician and proving that you have one of these conditions.
While you’re there, you should bring two forms with you: Healthcare Practitioner Certification Form and Patient Information Sheet. Once your doctor confirms that you’re qualified, they’ll sign the healthcare practitioner form, recommending you for the card. You also have to sign the sheet and state that you’re familiar with all of the potential benefits and side effects of CBD.
What’s more, to get your card, you have to bring a valid ID and prove that you’re a permanent Iowa resident. If you want to apply for it via mail, you also have to fill and sign the Adult Patient Application Form.
With your completed and signed forms, you can apply for your medical cannabidiol registration card online on Iowa’s Department of Health website. The process is pretty straightforward, and it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to complete.
Recreational Marijuana Use
Under Iowa law, recreational marijuana is illegal, and from the looks of it, it will remain so for a while. According to a poll from 2014, Iowa residents opposed recreational marijuana 28–96.
What’s more, in the state, marijuana is still classified as a hallucinogenic schedule I substance. If you get caught carrying, smoking, or growing it, you could face a $1,000 fine and a misdemeanor charge. In some extreme cases, you could even end up in jail.
Buying the Best CBD Oil Iowa Has
With your medical card in hand, you can buy CBD oil in one of the licensed dispensaries or online.
Dispensaries
Currently, there are around 20 dispensaries and apothecaries in Iowa that sell CBD oil and other hemp products. There are a few stores in bigger cities like Des Moines, Davenport, and Mount Vernon which carry CBD oils. However, most shops can’t verify how high-quality their products are and rarely check for third-party lab reports.
So if it’s your first time buying CBD oil, you’re better off shopping online from reputable sources.
Shopping Online
One of the biggest benefits of buying online is that you can read reviews and recommendations for every single product. You can find who are the best CBD oil manufacturers, compare their prices, and check for ingredients. What’s more, we’ll show you the good and the bad side of each one, so that you can make an informed purchase.
Final Thoughts
As things stand now, only patients with medical cannabidiol registration cards can freely and legally shop for CBD oil. Also, buying, carrying, or growing marijuana can earn you a severe fine, and you could even end up in jail. So if you want to buy the best CBD oil Iowa has to offer, make sure to shop from reputable sources. Don’t be fooled by flashy ads and empty promises and do your research before starting treatment. If you don’t know where to start, we are more than happy to help – here is our ultimate CBD oil guide.