The bill designates kava, specifically the plant piper methysticum and its synthetic equivalents, as a schedule I controlled substance in Iowa. This classification includes any parts of the plant, as well as its compounds, derivatives, and preparations. The bill also clarifies that the inclusion of this definition does not imply agreement with the substance's effects by the members of the general assembly.

Under this new legislation, penalties for possession of kava are established based on the number of offenses. A first offense is classified as a serious misdemeanor, while subsequent violations escalate to aggravated misdemeanors and, after two or more convictions, to a class D felony. The penalties include varying terms of confinement and fines, with serious misdemeanors carrying a maximum of one year in confinement and fines ranging from $430 to $2,560, and class D felonies carrying a maximum of five years in confinement and fines from $1,025 to $10,245.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 124.204