As of today, April 8, 2020, it is legal to grow, possess, buy or sell hemp in Iowa. This includes hemp-derived CBD products which comply with federal law. Federal law still prohibits the use of CBD in food and drug products under the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. In order to comply with the FD&C Act, CBD products may not be marketed as therapeutic and may not be sold in food products. If a product is intended to affect the structure or function of the body, or to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent disease, it is a drug.

Despite the fact that some hemp products are legal, it is important to remember that they are not regulated for quality by the FDA or the state of Iowa. Even if a product is labeled as containing hemp-derived CBD, it may actually contain more than 0.3% THC effectively making it marijuana under Iowa law.

If you have questions regarding compliance with federal regulations or the Iowa Hemp Act, or would like assistance in submitting an application for a hemp license please contact me here.