New Medical Cannabis Patient FAQ

Medical cannabis can potentially help treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, glaucoma, PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if medical cannabis is appropriate for your specific condition.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for producing the characteristic “high.” CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound with potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing inflammation, pain, and anxiety. The effects of THC and CBD can vary depending on the individual, dosage, and strain of cannabis used.

The appropriate dosage of medical cannabis depends on various factors, including the specific condition being treated, individual tolerance, and the method of consumption. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider or medical cannabis specialist to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.

The onset of effects and their duration depend on the method of consumption. Inhaled cannabis typically produces effects within minutes, lasting for 1-3 hours. Edibles and other orally consumed products may take 1-2 hours to take effect, with effects lasting up to 6-8 hours. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized information.

Potential side effects of medical cannabis include dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, increased heart rate, and impaired short-term memory. To manage side effects, start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed, stay hydrated, and avoid activities that require high levels of concentration or coordination, such as driving, while using medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, sedatives, or antidepressants. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if there are any potential drug interactions or contraindications for your specific situation.

Methods of consumption for medical cannabis include inhalation (smoking, vaporization), oral ingestion (edibles, capsules, tinctures), topical application (creams, lotions), and sublingual administration (tinctures, dissolvable strips). The best method for your needs depends on your specific condition, desired effects, and personal preferences. Consult with your healthcare provider or medical cannabis specialist for guidance.

It is possible to develop a tolerance to medical cannabis over time, which may result in reduced effectiveness. To avoid or manage tolerance, consider starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it as needed, taking breaks from using cannabis, or rotating between different strains or methods of consumption.

No, it is not safe to drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence of medical cannabis, as it can impair cognitive and motor functions, increasing the risk of accidents. Wait for the effects to wear off before engaging in these activities.

Medical cannabis can show up on a drug test, as THC and its metabolites can be detected in urine, blood, hair, and saliva. This may affect your employment or other aspects of your life, depending on the policies of your employer or other organizations. Be aware of the potential consequences and consider discussing your medical cannabis use with relevant parties if necessary.

Potential long-term risks of medical cannabis use include dependency, changes in cognitive function, and lung problems associated with smoking. It is important to discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider and to use medical cannabis responsibly and under their guidance.

Alternative treatments or complementary therapies may include physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, biofeedback, or other forms of pain management for certain conditions. Talk to your healthcare provider about incorporating these therapies into your treatment plan, if appropriate.

Click here for all the details of obtaining a medical cannabis card.

To qualify for medical cannabis use in Utah, you must have a qualifying medical condition. These conditions include, but are not limited to, cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A full list of qualifying conditions can be found on here.

In addition to having a qualifying medical condition, you must also be a resident of Utah and have a recommendation from a qualified medical provider. Your medical provider must be a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or physician assistant (PA) who is registered with the Utah Department of Health to recommend medical cannabis use.

Once you have a recommendation from a qualified medical provider, you can apply for a medical cannabis card through the Utah Department of Health. The application process involves submitting required documentation, such as proof of residency and a medical cannabis recommendation, and paying an application fee.

If your application is approved, you will receive a medical cannabis card, which allows you to legally obtain and use medical cannabis products in Utah. It is important to follow all regulations and guidelines set forth by the state to ensure safe and legal use of medical cannabis.

Alzheimer’s Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Autism
Cachexia
Cancer
Chronic Pain
Crohn’s DiseaseEpilepsy
Hospice Care
Multiple Sclerosis
Persistent Nausea
PTSD
Rare Disease
Terminal Illness
Temporary Pain (Temp card)

Read about more info and  laws on Medical Cannabis in Utah.

Utah has 4 different types of medical cannabis cards;

In Utah, licensed physicians, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and physician assistants (PAs) are authorized to recommend medical cannabis use to patients who have a qualifying medical condition.

To recommend medical cannabis use, medical providers must first register with the Utah Department of Health and complete required training on medical cannabis use and the state’s medical cannabis program. Once registered, medical providers can recommend medical cannabis to patients who have a qualifying medical condition and meet the other requirements for obtaining a medical cannabis card in Utah.

It is important to note that not all medical providers are registered with the Utah Department of Health to recommend medical cannabis use. Before seeking a medical cannabis recommendation, patients should confirm that their medical provider is registered and authorized to provide recommendations for medical cannabis use in Utah.

No, it is illegal to use medical cannabis in public places in Utah. Medical cannabis use is only permitted in private residences or other locations where the use of medical cannabis is authorized by the property owner.

In addition, it is important to note that medical cannabis use is also prohibited in motor vehicles, regardless of whether you are the driver or a passenger. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of medical cannabis in Utah.

Violations of Utah’s medical cannabis laws can result in fines, legal penalties, and the revocation of your medical cannabis card. To ensure safe and legal use of medical cannabis in Utah, it is important to follow all regulations and guidelines set forth by the state, including restrictions on where medical cannabis can be used.

In Utah, medical cannabis patients are allowed to possess up to 113 grams (or approximately four ounces) of unprocessed medical cannabis or its equivalent in other medical cannabis products such as oils, tinctures, and edibles. 
Learn more here.

It is important to note that possession of more than the legal limit of medical cannabis products can result in legal penalties and the revocation of your medical cannabis card. To ensure legal and safe use of medical cannabis in Utah, it is recommended that patients keep track of the amount of medical cannabis products they possess and adhere to the state’s possession limits.

To obtain medical cannabis products in Utah, you must first obtain a medical cannabis card from the Utah Department of Health. Once you have a medical cannabis card, you can purchase products from a licensed medical cannabis pharmacy in the state.

Currently, there are a limited number of licensed medical cannabis pharmacies in Utah, and they are the only legal sources of medical cannabis products in the state. To purchase medical cannabis products, you must visit a licensed medical cannabis pharmacy in person and present your medical cannabis card and a valid photo ID.

It is important to note that medical cannabis products are not covered by insurance in Utah and must be purchased using cash or debit cards. In addition, medical cannabis products cannot be transported across state lines, even if the use of medical cannabis is legal in both states.

To ensure safe and legal use of medical cannabis in Utah, it is recommended that patients follow all regulations and guidelines set forth by the state when obtaining and using medical cannabis products.

Learn more here.

It is important to note that possession of more than the legal limit of medical cannabis products can result in legal penalties and the revocation of your medical cannabis card. To ensure legal and safe use of medical cannabis in Utah, it is recommended that patients keep track of the amount of medical cannabis products they possess and adhere to the state’s possession limits.

In Utah, medical cannabis products are available in several different forms, including:

1. Unprocessed Medical Cannabis: This includes the raw plant material, such as the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant, which can be smoked or vaporized.
2. Cannabis Oil: This is a concentrated cannabis extract that can be used in a variety of ways, including ingestion, inhalation, or topical application. Cannabis oil is concentarted and is usually in the form of a vape cartridge.
3. Tinctures: A tincture is a liquid cannabis extract that is typically administered under the tongue or added to food or drinks.
4. Edibles: Edibles are  products that are infused with cannabis. Edibles in Utah cannot look like candy or treats.  and must be a “gelatinous cubes” aka gummy.
5. Topicals: Topicals are cannabis-infused creams, balms, and lotions that are applied directly to the skin for localized relief of pain or inflammation.

It is important to note that the availability of medical cannabis products in Utah may vary depending on the licensed medical cannabis pharmacy and product manufacturers in the state. Before using any medical cannabis product, it is recommended that patients consult with a qualified medical provider and follow all guidelines and regulations set forth by the state.

Medical cannabis is a medicine just like your other medicines. Its use may have both potential benefits and side effects. Here are some common examples:

Benefits of Medical Cannabis Use:

• Pain relief: Medical cannabis may be effective in reducing chronic pain caused by conditions such as neuropathy, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
• Nausea and vomiting: Medical cannabis may help relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or other medical treatments.
• Muscle spasticity: Medical cannabis may help reduce muscle spasticity associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
• Anxiety and depression: Medical cannabis may have a calming effect and may help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in some individuals.

Side Effects of Medical Cannabis Use:

• Dizziness and lightheadedness: Medical cannabis use can cause dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly.
• Dry mouth: Medical cannabis use can cause dry mouth or cottonmouth, which can be alleviated with increased water intake or sugar-free gum.
• Impaired coordination: Medical cannabis use can impair coordination and may affect driving or other activities that require coordination.
• Increased appetite: Medical cannabis use may increase appetite, which can be a benefit for some patients, but can also cause weight gain or other related health issues.
• Psychiatric effects: Medical cannabis use can cause psychiatric effects such as paranoia, anxiety, or hallucinations, particularly in patients with a history of mental illness. 

It is important to note that the specific benefits and side effects of medical cannabis use may vary depending on the individual and the medical condition being treated. Before using medical cannabis, it is recommended that patients consult with a qualified medical provider and weigh the potential benefits and risks of using medical cannabis for their specific medical condition.

No, it is illegal to operate a vehicle or perform any task that requires focus and coordination while under the influence of medical cannabis in Utah. It is also illegal to use medical cannabis in the workplace or in any public place.

While medical cannabis may provide relief from symptoms associated with certain medical conditions, it can also impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it dangerous to operate a vehicle or perform certain tasks. In addition, using medical cannabis in the workplace or in public places can pose safety risks to others and may violate Utah’s medical cannabis laws.

It is important to follow all regulations and guidelines set forth by the state when using medical cannabis in Utah, including restrictions on when and where medical cannabis can be used. To ensure safe and legal use of medical cannabis, it is recommended that patients consult with a qualified medical provider and follow all state regulations and guidelines regarding medical cannabis use.

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. It is converted to psilocin in the body, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perceptions, thoughts, and emotions. Research suggests that psilocybin may have potential therapeutic benefits for certain mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Therapeutic psilocybin has shown promise in treating mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. However, more research is needed, and it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if psilocybin therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.

Psilocybin is not currently legal in Utah. UPC is working to legalize psilocybin in a therapeutic setting.
The legal status of psilocybin therapy varies by jurisdiction. In some areas, psilocybin is a controlled substance, and its use is restricted to clinical trials and approved treatment programs. In others, decriminalization or legalization measures have been adopted. Always check the laws and regulations in your area and consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.

In a therapeutic setting, psilocybin is typically administered in the form of a capsule, liquid solution, or as a dried mushroom powder. The dosage and administration method will depend on the specific treatment protocol and the guidance of a healthcare professional or trained guide.

The appropriate dosage of psilocybin depends on various factors, including the specific condition being treated, individual tolerance, and the treatment protocol. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider or a trained guide to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.

During a psilocybin therapy session, you may experience altered perceptions, thoughts, and emotions, which can lead to insights and shifts in perspective related to your mental health condition. A trained guide or therapist will be present to support you and help you process your experience.

Potential side effects of psilocybin therapy include nausea, increased heart rate, dizziness, and altered perceptions, which may be uncomfortable or distressing. To manage side effects, consult with your healthcare provider or trained guide for guidance and support.

Psilocybin therapy may not be suitable for individuals with a personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. It may also interact with certain medications, such as SSRIs or MAOIs. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if psilocybin therapy is appropriate for your specific situation.

Psilocybin has a low potential for dependency, and tolerance can develop rapidly with repeated use. However, in a therapeutic setting, psilocybin is typically administered infrequently and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, reducing the likelihood of tolerance or dependency.

It is essential to discuss your treatment plan with your healthcare provider, who can determine if combining psilocybin therapy with other treatments or therapies is appropriate for your specific situation. In some cases, psilocybin therapy may be combined with psychotherapy, support groups, or other complementary treatments to enhance its effectiveness and promote overall mental health.

A psilocybin therapy session typically lasts between 4-6 hours, with the most intense effects occurring within the first 1-3 hours. The number of sessions required will depend on your specific condition, treatment goals, and the guidance of your healthcare provider or trained guide.

It is not safe to drive or engage in activities that require concentration, coordination, or quick decision-making immediately after a psilocybin therapy session. It is recommended to arrange for transportation and plan to rest for the remainder of the day after your session.

Psilocybin therapy is a structured, supervised treatment approach for specific mental health conditions, administered under the guidance of a healthcare professional or trained guide. In contrast, recreational use of psilocybin mushrooms typically lacks therapeutic intent, supervision, and structure, which may increase the risk of adverse effects or negative experiences.