This page provides information and resources for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumable hemp products in Iowa. Review the information below to understand registration and renewal requirements, product submission requirements, and available guidance and resources.
Apply for or Renew a Registration
List items for Consumable Hemp Registration Information
A consumable hemp product is a hemp-derived product intended to be introduced into the human body through ingestion or internal absorption, including food, beverages, dietary supplements, and other ingestible products.
Consumable hemp does not include product intended inhalation, which are prohibited. Iowa law also prohibits certain products, including products marketed or intended to treat, mitigate, prevent, diagnose, or cure a disease or other human condition, or products marketed to animals. Additionally, consumable hemp products manufactured or sold in Iowa must contain 0.3% or less total THC and no more than 4mg of THC per serving and 10mg of THC per container.
Manufacturers and retailers of consumable hemp products must register with Iowa HHS. A medical cannabis registration card is not required to purchase consumable hemp products.
Businesses that manufacture, process, pack, hold, prepare, distribute, or sell consumable hemp products in Iowa—or to purchasers located in Iowa—must obtain an approved consumable hemp registration from Iowa HHS before conducting those activities.
Manufacturers and Distributors
A manufacturer registration is required for businesses engaged in manufacturing, processing, packing, holding, preparing, distributing, or selling consumable hemp products on a wholesale basis. This includes out-of-state and online manufacturers and distributors that distribute consumable hemp products in Iowa.
Retailers
A retailer registration is required for businesses that sell consumable hemp products directly to consumers. This includes online retailers that sell consumable hemp products to purchasers located in Iowa.
Businesses Performing Both Activities
A business operating as both a consumable hemp manufacturer and retailer must generally register separately for each activity. However, a registered manufacturer that only sells products it manufactures directly to consumers is not required to obtain a separate retailer registration.
Multiple Locations
Registration is specific to one physical location. Businesses that manufacture, process, pack, hold, prepare, distribute, or sell consumable hemp products at more than one physical location must separately register each location.
Who Does Not Need to Register
Businesses exclusively engaged in harvesting, storing, or distributing raw hemp are not considered consumable hemp manufacturers. The rules also exclude businesses dealing exclusively in products containing only hemp seed or qualifying hemp seed-derived food ingredients.
Registration fee: $475 per registration type.
When to apply: Submit a complete registration at least 30 days before manufacturing, processing, packing, holding, preparing, distributing, or selling consumable hemp products in Iowa or to purchasers located in Iowa. A business may not begin these activities until its registration has been approved and issued by Iowa HHS.
What to submit: Applicants must complete the online registration application, pay the registration fee, and submit a complete list of the consumable hemp products they intend to manufacture, process, pack, hold, prepare, distribute, or sell, including COAs and required documentation identifying the jurisdiction of origin for each product.
Registration by location: A registration is valid for one physical location. Businesses operating at multiple physical locations must separately register each location. Registrations cannot be transferred to a new owner or a new physical location.
After approval: The approved registration must be displayed at the registered premises in a location visible to the public. Businesses that sell consumable hemp products online must also display an image of the valid registration on their website or online point of sale where it is visible before payment.
Consumable hemp registrations are valid for one year from the date the registration is approved by Iowa HHS and must be renewed annually to remain active.
When to Renew: Registrants should submit their renewal through the online registration system at least 30 days before the registration expires. The applicable registration fee must be submitted with the renewal.
Expired Registrations: A business may not manufacture, process, pack, hold, prepare, distribute, or sell consumable hemp products without an approved registration. Registrations that remain expired for more than 60 days will be revoked without notice.
Changes in Ownership or Location: Registrations cannot be transferred to a new owner or physical location. A new registration is required when ownership changes or the business moves to a new physical location.
Renew Your Registration: Use the Consumable Hemp Registrant Portal to submit your annual renewal and registration fee.
These step-by-step video walkthroughs demonstrate how to use the Consumable Hemp Registrant Portal to complete common registration and product management activities.
How to Apply for a Manufacturer Registration
Learn how to complete and submit a consumable hemp manufacturer registration through the Registrant Portal.
How to Create and Submit Your Product List
Learn how to create and submit a product list, including the information needed to add consumable hemp products to your registration.
How to Use Your Portal Action List
Learn how to use the Portal Action List to review and respond to items requiring action related to your registration or submitted products.
Master Product List Upload Template
Use this spreadsheet to submit and maintain your consumable hemp product list. Complete and upload the template in .xlsx format in accordance with the applicable Product Submission Guide.
For Manufacturers — Product Submission Guide
Instructions for manufacturers on registering a facility, submitting products and Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to Iowa HHS for review, and maintaining product information.
For Retailers and Distributors — Product Submission Guide
Instructions for retailers and distributors on registering a facility and creating and maintaining product information using the Master Product List.
Public Consumption of THC Beverages
Information regarding requirements and considerations applicable to the public consumption of consumable hemp beverages containing THC.
Certificate of Analysis (COA) Requirements
Information regarding Certificate of Analysis and laboratory testing requirements applicable to consumable hemp products.
Trace Amounts of Toxicants
Information regarding testing requirements and acceptable trace amounts of toxicants in consumable hemp products.
Liquid Consumable Hemp Products
Information regarding requirements applicable to liquid consumable hemp products based on container size, including products in containers less than and greater than 12 fluid ounces.
Broad Spectrum Products
Information regarding regulatory requirements applicable to consumable hemp products represented or marketed as broad spectrum.