Johnson County Cannabis – Is It Legal & Where To Buy 2025

Is Cannabis Cultivation Legal in Johnson County?

Yes. Johnson County allowed the cultivation of medical cannabidiol after the passage of the Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Act in 2017, as codified in Iowa Code Chapter 124E and Iowa Administrative Code 641-154. The Office of Medical Cannabidiol (OMC) at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regulates the state’s Medical Cannabidiol Program. Meanwhile, the adult use of cannabidiol remained illegal in Johnson County as of June 2023.

One of the two licensed manufacturers in the state as of June 2023 operates in Johnson County, particularly in Iowa City. Per state laws and regulations, manufacturers are authorized to possess, cultivate, transport, package, process, manufacture, and supply medical cannabidiol. They must have a physical location different from a medical cannabidiol dispensary and should be at least 1,000 feet away from schools. The facility must be equipped with security and video surveillance systems to ensure that unauthorized access is prevented.

All activities a manufacturer conducts, including cultivation and manufacturing, must occur in an enclosed facility. They may only operate based on the approved operating documents, which include guidelines on the forms and quantities of cannabidiol produced and methods of planting and disposal. Biosecurity measures must be followed, and contamination must be prevented throughout production. More importantly, real-time inventory control should be implemented to avoid or detect theft immediately.

Is Cannabis Manufacturing Legal in Johnson County?

Yes, manufacturing medical cannabidiol into products that contain cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is lawful in Johnson County. However, only licensed manufacturers are authorized to produce products, including vapes, orals, topicals, inhalationals, and suppositories. Iowa had two licensed manufacturers in June 2023, and one is in Johnson County.

Manufacturers are bound by the Iowa Administrative Code 641-154 production requirements. Among these are requirements related to the building and fire code, sanitation, and storage. Hydrocarbon-based extraction process using butane, ethanol, hexane, or isopropyl alcohol may be utilized, but prior approval from the DHHS must be obtained.

All products must be nonperishable and shelf-stable. Manufacturers must ensure that products have homogenous cannabinoid content, and they are mandated to contract with a laboratory to conduct spot-check testing on content, contamination, and consistency.

Is Cannabis Retail Legal in Johnson County?

Yes, the retail of medical cannabidiol is legal in Johnson County, with one of the five dispensaries in the state operating in Iowa City as of June 2023. Residents with a valid medical cannabidiol registration card can purchase vapes, extracts, tablets, tinctures, and topicals. However, the state strictly prohibits retailing of flowers and THC-infused edibles.

Medical cannabidiol dispensaries must employ a pharmacist or a licensed pharmacy technician for dosing recommendations. Before dispensing, dispensaries must verify the registration card presented by patients or caregivers. Additionally, a tracking number must be assigned to any products dispensed. Lastly, products must be placed in child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging and labeled with a list of all active ingredients, directions for use, and warning labels.

Dispensaries may only dispense four and one-half grams of total THC in a 90-day period following Chapter 124E. This may be increased if the patient is certified to have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than one year or if certified to need more based on the patient’s condition.

Is Cannabis Delivery Legal in Johnson County?

No, it is illegal. According to the Iowa Administrative Code 641-154, manufacturers are strictly prohibited from selling, delivering, transporting, and distributing medical cannabidiol from any location except its approved manufacturing facility or dispensary facility. As of June 2023, holders of a valid medical cannabidiol registration card must personally visit dispensaries to purchase medical cannabidiol.

How to Get Medical Marijuana Card in Johnson County

Johnson County residents at least 18 years old and permanent residents of Iowa may apply as a patient or a caregiver online. Minor patients must have a primary caregiver registered under Iowa’s Medical Cannabidiol Program.

As a pre-requisite, patients must have a written certification signed by a healthcare practitioner to prove that they have one of the debilitating medical conditions: cancer, multiple sclerosis with severe persistent muscle spasms, seizures, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, severe autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, or any terminal illness with a possible life expectancy of less than one year.

Each application costs $100 unless qualified for a reduced fee of $25. The Iowa Department of Public Health will issue the medical cannabidiol registration card upon completion and approval of the application.

For inquiries, the Bureau of Medical Cannabidiol Iowa Department of Health and Human Services may be reached at:

Lucas State Office Building

ATTN: OMC

321 E. 12th St.

Des Moines, IA 50319

Email: medical.cannabidiol@idph.iowa.gov

Phone: (515) 725-2076

How Has Cannabis Legalization Impacted the Economy of Johnson County?

The medical use of cannabidiol became legal in Johnson County after Iowa enacted Chapter 124E in 2017. However, medical cannabidiol products only became available in December 2018.

Since then, the number of issued medical cannabidiol registration cards and sales of medical cannabidiol have increased. In December 2020, Johnson County had 152 cardholders, and dispensary sales in the state were $361,919.64. Based on the state’s 2021 annual report, the number of cardholders in Johnson County increased to 267, and state sales were recorded at $586,705.43 in December 2021. Meanwhile, the county recorded 798 cardholders in May 2023, and state sales were $1,116,210.

The Effects of Cannabis Legalization on Crime Rates in Johnson County

Crime rates in Johnson County have varied since Iowa legalized the medical use of cannabidiol in 2017. Based on the report of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office on the FBI Crime Data Explorer, arrests for marijuana possession and sales are as follows:

• Marijuana possession offenses have decreased from 27 in 2016 to 19 in 2021. According to records, arrests were 46 in 2017, 60 in 2018, 70 in 2019, and 35 in 2020.
• On the other hand, offenses related to marijuana sales varied from two in 2016, nine in 2017, six in 2018 and 2019, four in 2020, and three in 2021.