As written, the law only allows the oil’s usage; it does not allow the product to be produced in Iowa. That's a problem for those seeking the product, because similar programs in other states do not recognize out-of-state patients. And even if an Iowa resident obtains the oil, he or she risks breaking laws in other states while transporting it back to Iowa.

“Once the rule becomes effective Jan. 30, 2015, we will print off an application, take it to our local neurologist, have him mail the form and wait for the form to be processed by the Iowa Department of Public Health,” said Sally Gaer, a West Des Moines mother of a 24-year-old daughter with epilepsy. "Upon approval, we will travel to the DOT to have our card processed. We will basically be unable to access any (marijuana plant oil) anywhere in the United States, so I am not sure what we will do with the card."

Gaer is among the critics who say the new law is ineffective and needs to be broadened. Among the suggested solutions is allowing the medicinal oil, cannabidiol, to be produced and purchased in Iowa.

A representative of Branstad’s drug policy office expressed reservations about expanding the new law.