This bill amends Iowa's Code to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the regulation of marijuana, including its manufacture, delivery, and possession. It introduces new chapters (124E and 124F) that outline licensing requirements for retail marijuana operations and specifies penalties for violations based on the quantity of marijuana involved, ranging from simple misdemeanors to class C felonies. The legislation also allows for the expungement of certain marijuana-related convictions, enabling individuals to petition for the removal of their criminal records after a designated period. Additionally, it sets possession limits for individuals aged 21 and older, allowing them to possess up to 5 ounces of marijuana flower or a specified amount of tetrahydrocannabinol in infused products.

The bill further establishes a regulatory framework for retail marijuana, granting the Department of Revenue oversight of cultivation, production, and sales, while allowing local jurisdictions to impose their own restrictions. It includes provisions for licensing, taxation, and operational guidelines for retail marijuana establishments, including a 10% excise tax on sales. The legislation emphasizes consumer safety by mandating strict testing protocols for marijuana products and prohibits the consumption of marijuana on the premises of retail establishments. It also protects individuals from discrimination based on past marijuana convictions and ensures that law enforcement cannot penalize individuals complying with the new regulations. The effective date for the issuance of retail marijuana licenses is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 124.401, 903.1, 124.411, 124.413, 124.101, 321J.2C, 124F.2, 17A.12