The United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers more mail than most of us could even imagine. That is of course, unless you can imagine delivering mail to over 165 million addresses in the U.S.!

You would think that common sense would rule supreme when it comes to what you can and what you can't send to someone through the mail. But apparently, that is not always the case, and some products surprisingly are allowed to be mailed.

Because of that, we've rounded up eight items that (for the most part) you cannot mail through the USPS in Iowa.

Alcohol

Forget about sending, wine, beer, or liquor ("except in limited circumstances").

Cigars, Cigarettes, or Smokeless Tobacco

Cigars may be mailed domestically in some instances.

Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco can only  be mailed in specific circumstances including:

• Intra-Alaskan and intra-Hawaiian shipments
• Business/regulatory purposes
• Small-quantity “gift” shipments to individuals
• Individual returns of an unacceptable tobacco product to a manufacturer

Firearms

According to USPS regulations, "only licensed manufacturers and dealers may mail or receive handguns. Even though unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable, mailers must comply with applicable regulations"

Live Animals

This again seems like a pretty common sense item, but- -in general, this is a big no-no. However, there are certain circumstances and specific packaging requirements to mail some animals (poultry, reptiles, and bees).

Gasoline

This product is absolutely banned from being mailed anywhere, at all.

Fireworks

Just like gasoline, it should go without saying, that illegally mailing fireworks poses a hazard to postal service employees and the public alike.

Medicines or prescriptions

Prescription medications may only be mailed by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registered distributors. 

Marijuana

It doesn't matter if it's medical marijuana or not. You may not mail it anywhere via the USPS.

Source: United States Postal Service