Iowa Code 124E and Iowa Admin Code 641 chapter 154 control medical cannabidiol dispensary licensing, location count, and operations. Only state-licensed dispensaries may sell cannabidiol products, and cities cannot license recreational cannabis retail.
Iowa Code 124E.4 authorizes Iowa HHS to license a limited number of medical cannabidiol dispensaries. Dispensary operations are governed by IAC 641-154.41, which sets security, recordkeeping, employee, and product handling requirements applicable statewide. Dispensaries cannot sell to non-cardholders, and product forms exclude smokable flower. Recreational marijuana retail remains illegal under Iowa Code 124. Cities can apply standard zoning to dispensary sites consistent with state law, but they cannot create local recreational cannabis licensing or override the state-set dispensary count and operating rules.
Operating an unlicensed dispensary, dispensing to non-cardholders, or selling unauthorized product forms can result in license revocation, civil penalties under Iowa Code 124E.13, and felony controlled substance prosecution under chapter 124.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in this county.
See how West Des Moines's dispensary zoning rules stack up against other locations.
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