In Iowa, recreational cannabis is illegal, medical cannabis is limited, and delta-8 THC is banned.
Last verified October 24, 2026 · Last major change July 2026
Illegal. Illegal; Iowa has not decriminalized possession.
Limited. State medical cannabis program: licensed dispensaries sell THC vapes, tablets, tinctures and topicals, but no flower or smoking; 4.5 g THC per 90 days unless a practitioner certifies more. HF 990 (2026) removed the Iowa-residency rule.
Patients can buy THC vape cartridges and concentrates, tablets, capsules, tinctures, water-soluble powder and topical lotions or ointments, but raw flower, smoking and edibles are not allowed. Limits: At most 4.5 g total THC per patient per 90 days. A practitioner can certify a higher amount for terminal illness or when 4.5 g is insufficient (waiver). No percentage cap.
Consumable hemp is capped at 4 mg THC per serving and 10 mg per container and sold only to adults 21+ by registered sellers; inhalable hemp is banned, and a 2025 law applies open-container rules to THC drinks.
Banned. State law bars registered hemp sellers from selling synthetic hemp products, which state rules define to include delta-8, delta-10, HHC and THCP.
First-offense possession of any amount is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
In danger. Federal law caps hemp products at 0.4 mg total THC per container starting Dec 11, 2026, below Iowa's 4 mg-per-serving limit. Two beverage makers dropped their 2024 suit over Iowa's caps after a judge declined to block the law.
In danger on this tracker: In a state where recreational cannabis is not legal, an enacted law, court ruling or enforcement action is removing THC products adults can legally buy today.