Utah
CANNABIS DISPENSARY REGULATIONS FOR UTAH
The Utah Medical Cannabis Act directs the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Center for Medical Cannabis to issue medical cannabis cards to patients, register medical providers who wish to recommend medical cannabis treatment for their patients, and license medical cannabis pharmacies.
While Utah’s unique cultural landscape continues to influence its cannabis market, the state has seen significant growth in its medical cannabis program since its launch in March 2020. As of March 2024, the program boasts more than 83,000 registered medical cardholders and over 950 medical providers authorized to recommend cannabis.
The application process for cannabis businesses remains competitive. While specific fee structures weren’t provided in the latest data, prospective operators should anticipate substantial application and licensing fees. The number of medical cannabis pharmacies (formerly referred to as dispensaries) has increased beyond the initial 14, though an exact current count isn’t available. These pharmacies continue to serve patients across the state, with monthly gross sales reaching approximately $16.1 million as of March 2024. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, oversees the program, which continues to evolve with regular updates to its Electronic Verification System and other operational aspects.
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CANNABIS LEGALIZATION HISTORY IN UTAH
Utah has a limited history with cannabis legalization. In 2018, the state passed a law legalizing medical cannabis, which allows qualified patients to purchase and possess up to two ounces of cannabis or products containing up to 10 grams of THC. However, the program faced significant delays and legal challenges, with some lawmakers seeking to undermine or delay implementation.
Since then, the program has expanded somewhat, with the state issuing licenses to a limited number of cannabis dispensaries and adding more qualifying conditions for patients. However, the program remains relatively restricted compared to some other states, and there have been ongoing concerns about access and affordability for patients.
While there have been some efforts to legalize recreational cannabis in Utah, these efforts have so far been unsuccessful. The state remains relatively conservative in its approach to drug policy, and possession of cannabis remains illegal in most circumstances.
Overall, Utah’s cannabis policy remains limited, with only medical cannabis currently legal in the state. While the program has expanded somewhat in recent years, ongoing concerns about access and affordability suggest that there is still significant work to be done to ensure that patients have access to the care they need.