Iowa State Advertising Regulations
Iowa’s cannabis advertising laws are outlined in Iowa Admin. Code r. 641-154.44, impose strict guidelines on how dispensaries can market and advertise medical cannabidiol. Dispensaries are permitted to display their business name and logo on product labels, signs, websites, and informational materials provided to patients. Still, they must avoid using images of cannabis, paraphernalia, colloquial references to cannabis, or names of cannabis strains. Additionally, logos and names must not include unsubstantiated medical claims or medical symbols that could be confused with those of established medical associations, such as the American Medical Association.
Dispensaries are allowed to display signs at their location and maintain a business website with essential information such as contact details, product offerings, pricing, and hours of operation. However, the website must not contain any false, misleading, or unsubstantiated statements.
All marketing and advertising materials are subject to review and approval by the Iowa Department of Public Health, which has 30 days to respond to submissions. The materials are automatically approved if the department does not respond within this timeframe. Furthermore, any advertising activities not explicitly mentioned in the regulations require prior written approval from the department.
Additionally, dispensaries must ensure that displays and signage inside the dispensary are arranged to prevent public viewing from outside the premises, maintaining a low profile in public spaces.