Yes — getting a medical marijuana card in Iowa can potentially affect parental rights. While the card provides legal access to cannabis for medical use, Iowa law does not guarantee protections in custody or parental rights cases. Courts may consider cannabis use negatively, even if it is medically authorized.
No explicit protections: Iowa’s Medical Cannabidiol Act allows patients to legally use cannabis products, but it does not include specific safeguards for parental rights.
Custody cases: Judges may weigh cannabis use when determining custody, visitation, or parental fitness. Even registered patients could face challenges if cannabis use is perceived as impairing parenting ability.
Legal risk: While possession and use are legal with a card, cannabis remains a controlled substance under federal law, which can influence family court decisions.
Attorney guidance: Legal experts recommend consulting a family law attorney if you are a medical cannabis patient involved in custody or parental rights disputes.
Caregiver rules: Iowa does allow caregivers to administer cannabis to registered patients, but this does not extend to parental rights protections.