Two of Five Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Close in Iowa
According to Iowa state officials, medical marijuana dispensaries have closed in Council Bluffs and Davenport. The disclosure Monday by the Iowa Public Health Department said patients and caregivers still may purchase the cannabidiol products at Iowa’s three other licensed outlets, in Sioux City, Waterloo and in the Des Moines suburb of Windsor Heights.
The Associated Press notes that it’s not clear why the two dispensaries were closed. Their operators, Have A Heart Compassionate Care, didn’t immediately return messages Wednesday from The Associated Press.
“Providing patient access to medical cannabidiol products is important to the department, and we understand the difficulties that these closures may cause for patients and caregivers in the Council Bluffs and Davenport areas,” public health officials said in a release. “The department is committed to providing patient access, and will work to license two new dispensaries as soon as possible.”
The 2017 Medical Cannabidiol Act allows the use of cannabidiol that has no more than 3% THC, the compound in marijuana that causes a high. The law allows for up to two in-state marijuana growers and processors, which can then distribute to five state-approved dispensaries.
Most people suspect the closures are due to a reduced customer based due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If so, this would mark one of the first clear examples of the marijuana industry being directly impacted.