In the wake of legislative changes, the use of medicinal cannabis in Utah has become legal with the proper documents. As of today, the Act outlines specific guidelines for patients, which we will explore in this article. We’ll help you understand the qualifying conditions, public possession rules, the process to get a medical cannabis card, and more.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis in Utah
The Medical Cannabis Act in Utah lists specific qualifying conditions for which medical cannabis can be prescribed. If you’re suffering from any of these, you’re eligible to apply for a medical cannabis card:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Autism
- Cachexia
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain
- Crohn’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Hospice Care
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Persistent Nausea
- PTSD
- Rare Disease
- Terminal Illness
- Temporary Pain (Temp card)
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, consult with a Qualified Medical Provider (QMP) listed in the Utah QMP Directory.
Obtaining a Medical Cannabis Card in Utah
Having understood the cannabis qualifying conditions, let’s move on to getting a medical cannabis card in Utah.
There are different types of cards based on the patient’s age and residence status. These include:
- Medical Cannabis Patient Card
- Provisional Patient Card
- Medical Cannabis Caregiver Card
- Medical Cannabis Guardian Card
- Non-Resident Medical Cannabis Patient Card
For a detailed breakdown of the criteria for each type of card, and a step by step guide on obtaining a medical cannabis card, visit the Utah Patients website.
Remember, these cards come with specific expiry dates, and renewals have different rules based on the patient’s condition and type of card. For instance, a card for a patient with acute pain expires in 30 days, requiring more frequent monitoring.
Cannabis Purchase and Possession Limits in Utah
Once you have your medical cannabis card, the next question is, how much cannabis can you purchase? In any 28-day period, a patient can purchase:
- 30 Day supply (based on dosing parameters)
- 113 Grams of unprocessed cannabis (flower)
- 20 Grams of total composite THC (Concentrated)
Transportation and Public Possession of Medical Cannabis
In Utah, it’s legal to carry medical cannabis, but there are rules for packaging, public usage, and driving.
For instance, cannabis should be in an opaque bag or box provided by the pharmacy, with clear labels of its contents, weight, purchase date, and barcode. Cannabis use in public view is prohibited unless it’s an emergency, and it must be in medicinal dosage form.
When it comes to driving, Utah law states that a person should not operate a vehicle if they have any measurable controlled substance in their body, with the exception of 11-nor-9 carboxy-THC.
For more details on transportation and public possession of medical cannabis, refer to this guide.
Medical Cannabis in Utah: A Quick Recap
- The qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Utah are outlined in the Medical Cannabis Act.
- Different types of medical cannabis cards are available based on the patient’s age and residency status.
- There are specific purchase and possession limits on medical cannabis in a 28-day period.
- The transportation and public usage of medical cannabis have specific rules to follow.
- QMPs have a limit on the number of patients they can recommend for medical cannabis treatment.
- Medical cannabis must be purchased from a Utah-licensed medical cannabis pharmacy if you’re a Utah resident.
- Non-resident patients can use and possess medical cannabis purchased outside of Utah, provided it meets Utah’s legal dosage limit and is in a legal dosage form.
Medical Cannabis State Fee
While medication is not taxed in Utah, a $3 fee per pharmacy transaction goes to the Utah Department of Health to maintain the Cannabis Program. For patients requiring financial assistance, the Utah Patients Subsidy Program offers help.
Remember, your QMP may only recommend medical cannabis treatment to a limited number of patients at one time. A licensed business may employ or contract the QMP for the specific purpose of providing hospice and palliative care.
Finding Medical Cannabis in Utah
So, where can you buy cannabis in Utah? Utah has several licensed medical cannabis pharmacies. Use this pharmacy locator to find one near you. Patients must have a valid card to purchase but can enter a pharmacy with a visitor’s pass.
The Utah Medical Cannabis Act can seem intricate, but the goal is to ensure safe and regulated access to medical cannabis for those who need it. By understanding the conditions, card system, purchase limits, and transportation rules, you can ensure you’re following the guidelines and making the most of the available resources.
We hope this guide helped you navigate the Act more effectively. If you think you qualify for medical cannabis treatment, start by finding a QMP here. With the right guidance, you can manage your health better with the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis.
Remember, the laws around medical cannabis are evolving, so keep abreast of any changes to stay compliant and informed. For more resources, visit the Utah Patients website. Happy healing!