Is CBD Legal in Iowa? CBD Laws in IA 2024

Whether you’re a native Hawkeye or simply passing through, you may find yourself wondering — Can I buy CBD in Iowa?

Although the CBD waters were murky for a few years, CBD is indeed legal in Iowa, so if you find yourself looking for CBD oil in the Hawkeye state, you’re in luck — so long as you follow a few of the state’s CBD caveats.

Is CBD Legal in Iowa?

So, is CBD oil legal in the Hawkeye state? In short, yes. Although people without a medical card can now buy CBD products, that wasn’t possible until 2020. Here’s a brief history of how CBD became legal in Iowa.

Originally, Iowa state law mandated that marijuana consisted of all parts of the cannabis plant. Because CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, it was documented as marijuana, which was listed under Schedule I of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

The only exception to the rule was Iowa Code Chapter 124E, Iowa’s Medical Cannabidiol Act, which was signed in 2017. Under this act, medical cannabidiol (mCBD) products with a THC level of no higher than 3% could be manufactured and sold to individuals with state-issued mCBD registration cards.

In 2018, the Farm Bill was passed, which removed hemp from its list of controlled substances, which meant that hemp could legally be grown, manufactured and sold throughout the country. For Iowa, however, CBD was still listed as a controlled substance until 2019 when the state introduced the Iowa Hemp Act.

In 2020, the USDA approved the Iowa Hemp Act, and individuals without medical mCBD cards were legally able to purchase CBD products containing no more than 0.3% of THC, although any products that are introduced via inhalation are still prohibited under Iowa Code 204.14A.

In 2024, updates to Iowa’s hemp laws introduced stricter requirements for consumable hemp products. Retailers are now required to submit a complete list of all CBD products they intend to sell, along with supplier and manufacturer details. Additionally, any retailer selling CBD products directly to consumers must register as a consumable hemp retailer. These updates aim to improve transparency and ensure compliance with state regulations.¹

While there are no further general age restrictions when purchasing CBD products, the purchasing age may differ depending on where the consumer is shopping, as some vendors set a strict age limit. The 2024 updates also increased penalties for violations of Iowa’s hemp laws, prohibited the use of synthetic THC in products, and introduced stricter labeling requirements.

That said, CBD laws in the state of Iowa are likely to change as federal and state regulations develop.

The Specifics of CBD Laws in Iowa: What You Need to Know

The CBD laws in Iowa have changed in recent years, albeit at a slower pace and with a few more gray areas than in other states. Although the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp containing 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol THC or less from the controlled substance list, Iowa didn’t immediately change its state laws, which continued to list CBD as an illegal substance.

Later, in 2019, under the Iowa Hemp Act, the state made changes to hemp and hemp-related products. It states that consumable hemp products in Iowa must contain 0.3% or less THC on a dry-weight basis. Other stipulations include:

Consumption – Although the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) doesn’t list approved consumable products, the Iowa Hemp Act states that consumables include non-combustible forms of hemp that can be ingested or absorbed through the skin, such as oils or topicals.
Hemp license – According to Section 204.4 of the Iowa Hemp Act, individuals must fill out an application with the following information to be considered for a license to grow and manufacture hemp: The person’s name and address, a map and description of each place you intend to grow hemp, the number of acres intended for growing the crop, the name and type of hemp to be grown and the results of a national criminal history record check. A clear understanding of the legal framework is crucial for navigating the hemp and CBD industry for those already in the business or looking to enter the market.
Inspections and tests – The DIA conducts annual inspections for licensed crop sites, which include obtaining a sample from the crop and testing it for a concentration of 0.3% of THC or less. In order to conduct the tests, the licensee must contact the DIA with the expected harvest date of their crop at least 30 days before the crop is ready for harvest. Then, someone from the department will come to the property and collect samples.
Criminal offense – Under Section 204.14A of the Iowa Hemp Act, anyone who possesses, handles, manufactures or distributes hemp products meant to be consumed via inhalation is subject to criminal penalty. This includes (but is not limited to) heated devices that produce smoke or vapor or naturally rolled substances that are used to inhale CBD or THC products.

Can I Buy CBD in Iowa?

Under the Iowa Hemp Act, it is legal to buy CBD in Iowa with or without a medical card so long as the CBD product is manufactured and sold through a registered retailer. Smokable CBD, however, is still illegal in the state.

Can I Buy CBD Online?

People in Iowa interested in buying CBD can conveniently purchase products through registered online retailers. There are a few advantages to buying CBD products online, one of which includes a larger variety of broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products to choose from when shopping online.

In addition, many online retailers provide a Label Accuracy Guarantee, which ensures that the ingredients listed on the company’s CBD products match what’s listed on the label. Zebra CBD proudly offers a Label Accuracy Guarantee for all of its products, so that consumers can feel confident knowing exactly what’s in their product, and what isn’t—no heavy metals, microbials or pesticides.

Can I Buy CBD at a Dispensary?

Individuals in Iowa can purchase CBD products at a registered dispensary, but they often offer a more limited supply of products, like creams, tinctures and capsules. Through a registered online retailer, you’ll be able to purchase other CBD products like gummies, chewables and more –– so long as they contain 0.3% or less of THC.

Can I Travel With CBD?

Traveling with CBD requires understanding state and federal laws to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary complications. Whether you're flying, driving, or heading out of the country from Iowa, knowing the rules can help you stay prepared.

State-to-State Travel With CBD

When traveling from Iowa to other states, federally legal CBD products derived from hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC are generally permitted. But, is it legal to fly with CBD? For air travel, the TSA allows these products in carry-on or checked luggage, but it’s important to keep them in their original packaging and have documentation, like a Certificate of Analysis (COA), to confirm compliance with federal regulations. Checking local laws at your destination can also help avoid misunderstandings.

For road trips, similar rules apply. While CBD is legal in most states, some may have stricter rules on THC content or certain types of products. To ensure a smooth journey, research the regulations of the states you’ll pass through and stick to products that meet federal guidelines.

If you're traveling into Iowa with CBD, make sure it aligns with state laws, particularly the legal limit of 0.3% THC for hemp-derived products. Sticking to clearly labeled and third-party-tested items will help ensure compliance and prevent potential issues.

Can I Travel With CBD Internationally?

For trips abroad, you’re probably wondering “can I travel with CBD internationally?” International travel with CBD is more complicated, as laws vary significantly between countries. Some nations, such as Canada, allow hemp-derived CBD, while others may ban it entirely. Before traveling internationally from Iowa, research the specific regulations of your destination to determine if CBD is permitted and if any documentation is required.

When traveling abroad, always carry your CBD products in their original packaging and include a COA to verify compliance with U.S. federal standards. Keep in mind that international CBD laws are often stricter than those in the United States, so it's essential to stay informed and prepared before your trip.

Shop CBD in the Hawkeye State with ZebraCBD

When it comes to enhancing your wellness journey, quality and trust are key. Whether you’re managing stress, seeking balance, or exploring the benefits of CBD, ZebraCBD is here to provide premium products that meet Iowa’s regulatory standards.

From our hemp pills and CBD topicals to our premium CBD hemp oil for sale, every CBD product is crafted with care, using high-quality, hemp-derived ingredients and backed by our Label Accuracy Guarantee™. Whether you’re an Iowa resident or just passing through, ZebraCBD offers reliable and effective products to support your wellness goals.

Shop with us today and experience the difference of CBD made with your well-being in mind.

FAQs

Is CBD legal in Iowa?
Yes, individuals can purchase CBD products when they’re manufactured and sold by registered retailers.
How old do you have to be to buy CBD in Iowa?
Currently, there are no legal age restrictions in Iowa, but it’s up to the discretion of each registered vendor. As of 2024, the sale of hemp-infused consumables like gummies is limited to ages 21 and over.
Can I sell CBD products in Iowa?
Individuals may sell CBD products in Iowa if they’ve registered through the DIA. They must keep a copy of their certificate at the dispensary’s physical location. Retailers of consumable hemp products are required to provide a detailed list of all products they intend to sell, including information about the suppliers and manufacturers.

Legal Disclaimer

The information contained above is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice. The provided information may not reflect current legal developments or information and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete or current. We recommend checking our source(s) to see if the information or legal status has been revised since our content was published.

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