Recreational Marijuana in Iowa Might be Getting Closer

Earlier this week Iowa legislators released a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana usage in the Hawkeye State.

But… the earliest Iowans would be able to vote to legalize cannabis would be in 2024.

The proposed amendment would regulate the production, sale, and consumption of products made from marijuana in a manner similar to Iowa’s regulation of alcohol.

The verbiage states that Iowa Alcohol and Beverage Division would also regulate marijuana use. It would also add a state tax rate not to exceed 20% on retail sales and a tax rate up to 2% for local communities and counties that allow retail sales.”

But why would Iowans have to wait until 2024 to vote on it? It must be passed by two general assemblies before it will reach the public for a majority vote, according to weareiowa.com.

If it DID pass, it would surely bring a lot of money to the state. According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Illinois raked in $1.4 BILLION in cannabis sales last year, more than double the sales in 2020 – which was when recreational marijuana was first legalized within the state. Currently, Illinois is the only state bordering Iowa with legal recreational cannabis.

If the amendment passes, Iowa would join 18 states, two U.S. territories and the District of Columbia to have legalized recreational marijuana use for adults.

Currently, cannabis is legal for medical usage in Iowa with a card issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health after paying a fee and getting a certification from a health care provider.