Recommending Cannabis in Iowa

Under SF 2360, only neurologists may recommend CBD oil, and they may only recommend it to patients they are treating for intractable epilepsy. Prior to writing a recommendation for CBD oil, the patient must be receiving care from their neurologist for at least six months; however, the neurologist does not have to be licensed in Iowa, so long as they have a medical license in good standing (for example, an Iowa patient living near the border of Iowa and Illinois could be in the care of a neurologist licensed and practicing in Illinois). The neurologist must attempt to treat the patient first with alternative treatment options that have not alleviated the patient's symptoms prior to recommending CBD oil. Additionally, the neurologist must determine the risks of recommending the medical use of cannabidiol are reasonable in light of the potential benefit for the patient.

To recommend CBD oil as a physician, you must be a board certified neurologist in good standing. You can only recommend CBD oil to patients who are treating intractable epilepsy. You must have been treating that patient for at least six months, however you do not have to be a doctor licenced or practicing in Iowa. You must attempt to treat the patient first with alternative treatment options that have not alleviated the patient's symptoms prior to recommending CBD oil. Additionally, you must determine the risks of recommending the medical use of cannabidiol to your patient.