“At least it`s a temporary setback, it certainly doesn`t stop our momentum,” he said. “We`re in a stronger position today than we were yesterday because two other states have legalized adult marijuana use and we`ve gone from 19 legal states to 21 legal states.” However, recreational use has not increased in three other states, including South Dakota, where a measure to create a recreational market was passed in 2020 but was overturned by a state judge last year. This year`s referendum would have legalized recreational use, but would not have created a commercial market. Is weed legal in Iowa? Iowa`s marijuana laws have changed rapidly in recent years, which can be confusing for residents. While marijuana remains illegal for recreational purposes, hemp-derived CBD products are legal. The state also has a medical marijuana program for people with serious chronic conditions. Here`s everything you need to know about Iowa`s marijuana laws. Iowa Democrats hope legal edibles can turn their candidates into eligible voters. An election measure in Colorado to legalize psychedelic mushrooms also appeared to pass narrowly, with 51 percent of voters supporting unofficial results. Stewart told the Des Moines Register in an email that the ad would be broadcast online, on cable TV and on streaming TV. Stewart said he believes the ad will air on cable television in early October. Holt argued that the current system of legal penalties discourages cannabis use and that decriminalizing the drug could increase its use in the state. Holt said the legislature does not govern “on the basis of opinion polls.” He noted that neither party lobbied in recent meetings to expand medical marijuana and legalize recreational cannabis.

Is recreational marijuana legal in Iowa? Right now, recreational marijuana is illegal in Iowa. Those who use marijuana without a medical card could face heavy legal and financial penalties. However, the state has recently legalized some marijuana products for medical purposes. There are several other states that accept medical marijuana cards from Iowa. These include Arizona, Arkansas, Maine, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Utah. There are also several states that have legalized recreational marijuana. This means that anyone over the age of 21 can go to a pharmacy, regardless of their health condition. An example of a state like this is Illinois, which borders Iowa. Bolkcom also argued that public support for legalization has increased. A 2021 Des Moines Register/Medicacom Iowa survey found that 54% of Iowan residents support legalizing recreational marijuana. This is a significant increase from 2013, when only 29 percent of Iowan residents supported legal weed.

The organization is targeting Ohio for election action in 2023, and state lawmakers will try to change the law through the more traditional legislative process, he said. In May 2014, Governor Terry Branstad signed the Medical Cannabidiol Act, which allows the possession of CBD oil with the recommendation of a neurologist to treat refractory epilepsy in children, which will take effect in late January 2015. Observers criticized the new law, noting that it did not include a provision for the legal acquisition of CBD oil, as it remains illegal to produce it in Iowa or transport it across state borders. A policy adviser to the Iowa Department of Health noted, “There are still very fundamental barriers for parents to get the oil.” [13] [14] Iowa`s possession laws allow medical card holders to purchase 4.5 grams of marijuana over a 90-day period. That`s very low compared to medical marijuana programs in other states. Even with a medical card in Iowa, you could still face legal consequences if you have more than 4.5 grams of marijuana. Once your doctor has signed the application, you will need to go online and fill it out. The online application form is quite simple – you will need to provide basic personal information and proof of residency. You will also have to pay a fee, which is $100 for most patients. Iowa offers a reduced $25 registration fee for patients who can prove financial hardship. Iowa lags behind other states, both nationwide and in its region, in terms of marijuana policy.

Unlike 31 other states, Iowa continues to arrest people for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Neighboring Illinois has legalized cannabis for adults, while Nebraska, Minnesota and Missouri have decriminalized simple possession. But in Iowa, possession of a single joint is punishable by up to six months in prison and a $1,000 fine, one of the harshest penalties in the country. These draconian punishments hit communities of color hardest. According to the ACLU, blacks in Iowan are nearly eight times more likely to be arrested for marijuana prohibition than whites. During the 2022 legislature, three state senators proposed a new approach to reform and referred the issue of legalization back to voters. Senator Joe Bolkcom (D), Senator Janet Petersen (D) and Senator Sarah Trone Garriott (D) have proposed a proposal to amend the Iowa Constitution that provides that “the possession, cultivation, processing, manufacture, preparation, packaging, transmission, consumption, sale, and purchase of cannabis or products derived from or including cannabis. are lawful by persons 21 years of age or older.” The proposal should have passed the Iowa Senate and House of Representatives in two consecutive terms. Surprisingly, Senate Justice Speaker Brad Zaun (R-Urbandale) didn`t even give the proposal a committee vote. Iowa does not have a citizens` initiative process, so the only way to change state law is for the legislature itself to pass a bill or for the legislature to send the matter back to voters. The Republican majority has repeatedly refused to put decriminalization, legalization and medical cannabis laws on the table.

While Iowa does not allow citizen-initiated voting, every state legislature will be on the ballot this year. Contact candidates in your district and ask them what they think about medical cannabis, decriminalization, and/or legalization. Then, help elect a new legislature that listens to voters. Although medical marijuana is legal in Iowa, you can`t grow plants at home here. All marijuana must be purchased from a licensed dispensary, and there are few commercial growers licensed to grow marijuana here. Instead, Joseph, 38, came to Capitol Hill to speak directly to lawmakers. She said it seemed like Iowa lawmakers weren`t ready to consider legalization, so she scaled back her argument: scrap court records on marijuana-related crimes and decriminalize marijuana amounts under 56 grams. Holt acknowledged that the state may need to “investigate” why some people may be prosecuted more than others, and increase education about the “harm drugs can do.” But he said decriminalization or legalization is not the answer. “I think it`s kind of crazy, at a time when we have so many mental health issues, and we know a lot of these mental health issues are related to addiction, that we`d talk about this stage,” Holt said. “Because, let`s face it, when the government legalizes something, it legitimizes it. An Iowa poll in early 2014 showed that Iowans supported the legalization of medical marijuana with 59 percent to 31 percent, but opposed recreational marijuana with 28 percent to 69 percent. [22] If you have an eligible medical condition, there are steps you can take to get a medical marijuana card in Iowa.

The first step is to consult with a local health care provider who can verify that you meet the qualification requirements. Iowa currently offers medical marijuana prescriptions for 17 different medical conditions. It`s important to make sure your medical provider is licensed and willing to make recommendations about medical marijuana, as not all doctors are. You will receive our daily opinion updates and our latest Pints & Politics newsletter. Add newsletters@thegazette.com to your contacts. Supporters of marijuana liberalization saw mixed results when legalization voting measures were counted Tuesday, with voters in Maryland and Missouri approving adult recreational use, but Arkansas, South Dakota and North Dakota rejected the proposal. Additionally, hemp-derived CBD products are legal for recreational use in Iowa. These products do not contain THC, so they will not get you “high”. However, many people find that they have physical and mental health benefits.