A Democratic candidate for Iowa governor on Monday released his plan to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state. Rob Sand, who is currently the state auditor, called the proposal “a common-sense way to help close” the state’s nearly $1.4 billion budget gap.
“Right now, Iowans are driving across state lines – and taking their tax dollars with them – to make these purchases. That’s revenue we’re losing that should be staying right here in Iowa. And we shouldn’t be using our tax dollars to lock people up for three hots and a cot for using cannabis in 2026. That’s why I’m announcing my plan to legalize, tax, and regulate adult-use cannabis – so we can keep those dollars in Iowa, support our farmers, and start getting our budget back on track.” — Sand in a press release
Sand’s published plan does not outline the tax structure for the proposal.
The plan would impose a 10 milligram THC cap per serving and 100 milligram THC cap per package. Cannabis products would be subject to testing and labeling requirements, and advertisements would not be allowed to target minors.
Public consumption would also be barred, similar to alcohol consumption in the state.
According to Sand, a cannabis industry in Iowa would is estimated to create around 7,000 jobs.
In 2024, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed into law a bill that placed new restrictions on hemp-derived THC products sold in the state. That bill includes age restrictions to purchase the products and limits THC to 4 milligrams per serving and 10 milligrams per container.
