OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — To many, CBD has been touted as a wonder drug of sorts...claiming it can be used to treat anxiety, inflammation and even heroin addiction. In Iowa, a state that has legalized it for medical use, law enforcement is warning stores other than state-sanctioned dispensaries that possessing and selling it is illegal and compliance checks will begin shortly.
In a letter sent out by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, they informed businesses the "sale of and or possession of CBD products in the state of Iowa is illegal." They say stores should discontinue sale of any products containing CBD and say they will be conducting checks on businesses to verify their compliance with state law.
They included a "brief clarification issued by the Iowa Attorney General" on the sale of CBD and hemp in Iowa:
- According to Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, "Becuase cannabidol (CBD) is derived from parts of the cannabis plant that are included in the definition of marijuana, CBD is considered marijuana under Iowa Law, Consequently, any product containing any amount of CBD is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance." The Medical Cannabidol Act, Code of Iowa Chapter 124E, allows for the manufacturing and distribution of medical cannabidol (mCBD) only through Iowa's two licensed manufacturers and only to individuals with state issued mCBD registration cards and only from Iowa's five licensed dispensaries.
- While legislative and rule changes in this area are likely to come from both federal and state agencies in the near future, it currently remains illegal in Iowa to sell, manufacture, or distribute CBD products outside of the five licensed retailers mentioned above.
They say the USDA will need to approve Iowa's plan to cultivate hemp before it can can be grown and processed which will come under review this fall.
