In 2018 the US Farm Bill made it legal for farmers to grow Hemp and opened the doors for a massive legal hemp-derived CBD industry. Farmers can now grow hemp as long as it contains miniscule levels of the intoxicant “THC”. States were given the right to ignore the farm bill and keep hemp illegal, and a few states chose to do so: Iowa, Idaho and South Dakota. Iowa is now moving to come in line with the majority of states and allow a hemp-based CBD industry in Iowa.

What’s the difference between Hemp and Marijuana?

The difference between Hemp and Marijuana is how much THC the plant contains. THC is the component of cannabis which creates a psychedelic ‘high’ feeling in the user. Cannabis plants without THC do not make a person high, and are called “Hemp”. Cannabis plants with significant levels of THC are called “Marijuana”. Hemp-derived CBD products are from cannabis plants which contain very low levels of THC and much higher levels of CBD. Since CBD is now considered generally safe, and is under scientific investigation for many possible medicinal uses, the government saw fit to distinguish between CBD plants and THC plants.

Is CBD legal in Iowa?

Yes, it has been legal to possess, buy or sell CBD products in Iowa since April of 2020. However, Iowa farmers have not been allowed to grow hemp as of yet, and there has been no Iowa-based CBD-production. Federally in the US hemp was made legal, but states were given the right to maintain restrictions on hemp production, and Iowa was one of the few states to keep growing hemp controlled. Now Iowa is changing their stance and will join the rest of the nation in allowing a hemp farming industry. As of July 1 2022, Iowa farmers will be allowed to grow hemp (as long as it contains under 0.3% THC) and sell it for use in CBD consumer products. Iowa consumers will also now benefit from the state’s legalization of hemp. Locally produced CBD products will become available in the state and there will be economic growth in Iowa.