6 Facts About the Utah Medical Marijuana Program

Understanding Utah’s Medical Marijuana Program: A Brief Overview 

The Utah medical marijuana program is a significant milestone in the state’s approach to healthcare in opening up to alternative treatments. 

The USA has witnessed evolving perceptions and changing legislation surrounding cannabis in various states. Utah emerged as one of the states embracing marijuana’s medicinal potential. 

The Utah Medical Cannabis Act was enacted in December 2018, legalizing the use of medical marijuana for qualified patients. 

Research on medical marijuana has found it a good alternative for various conditions like epilepsy, pain and inflammatory illnesses like ulcerative colitis. 

The bid by the state to allow medical marijuana also attracted stringent regulations to curb abuse and addiction. 

Hence, the Utah Medical Marijuana Program was born to facilitate regulation and oversight to ensure responsible access and usage.

In this article, we delve deep into various aspects of the Utah Medical Marijuana Program.

Understanding Utah’s Medical Marijuana Program: A Brief Overview 

Utah voters in November 2018 voted for medical marijuana use by qualified patients. 

The law touched on various stakeholders and aspects of the industry. From supply to the sale, prescription, use, and possession of medical cannabis in Utah.

Some key aspects of the medical marijuana program include:

1. Patient Medical Cards/ Licences: Individuals who seek to use medical marijuana in Utah need to make an application to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). 

You’ll also need a recommendation from a health provider in Utah and be a Utah resident for a successful application.

The DHHS will receive and review the application. Upon accepting the request, they provide you with a Utah medical card (or MMJ Card).

The Utah medical card can be renewed yearly. 

Notably, a request to renew the card also needs a recommendation from a health professional.

The Utah medical marijuana rules only allow an MMJ card holder to buy and possess the recommended limit of medical cannabis.

2. Qualifying Conditions: The Utah Medical marijuana rules permit the use of medical cannabis for specific conditions, known as qualifying conditions. 

Some of the qualifying conditions  stated in the Utah medical cannabis act include:

• Chronic pain
• Multiple sclerosis
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• PTSD
• Hospice care
• Epilepsy
• Cancer

The conditions are continually updated, and you can check the government website to confirm eligibility for your condition.

Moreover, you can book an appointment with GreenTeamDoctors for insights on your conditions and get a recommendation for your MMJ card. 

If you don’t have the listed conditions, you may appeal to the Compassionate Board to become a qualifying patient. 

3. Possession limits: Patients are only allowed to possess up to a month’s supply of the prescribed dosage or 20 grams (i.e. 4 ounces) of THC. 

The legal forms of medical marijuana in Utah include capsules, flowers, topicals, oils, liquid suspensions, and lozenges.

However, even with a Utah medical marijuana card, you can be prosecuted for driving under the influence (DUI). Or you are in possession or use of cannabis when operating machinery. 

4. HealthCare Providers: Qualified Medical Professionals (QMPs) are individuals licensed by the Department of Health to prescribe medical marijuana in Utah. 

Their registration must be renewed every two years, with continuing medical education courses a requirement. 

Getting an experienced QMP is crucial as they give the recommendation that may determine your MMJ card application and access to medical cannabis.

Green Team Doctors is a coalition of Utah physicians with a collective experience of 300+ years practicing medicine. Schedule Your Appointment with us for a smooth journey to a Utah medical marijuana card.

5. Medical Marijuana Access: You can purchase medical marijuana in Utah from any licensed medical cannabis pharmacy. However, a pharmacy may not sell more than a 14-day supply of the prescription to a patient.

Medical marijuana patients from other states with a medical card (from the state) can access cannabis treatment. 

However, they are under Utah medical marijuana rules, and they must have a diagnosed qualifying condition following possession limits and allowable forms. 

The Benefits of Obtaining a Utah Medical Marijuana Card

Why do you need a Utah medical card?

• Legal Protection: Cannabis is still considered a Schedule II drug by the FDA and, hence, illegal at the federal level. Therefore, you remain liable to prosecution by federal law enforcement agencies. 

With a Utah medical marijuana Card, there are no legal repercussions in purchasing your medication from a state-licensed dispensary.

Moreover, you can possess cannabis within the allowable state limits. 

• High Purchase and Possession Limits: Possession of cannabis without a medical card is illegal and can result in a fine or jail time. 

With a Utah medical card, you can purchase up to 113 grams of cannabis flower. 

You can also possess cannabis concentrate or infused products up to 20 grams.

• Saves You Money: Medical marijuana products are tax-exempt even from state sales tax. 

Medical marijuana patients pay less for cannabis products compared to recreational users. You can save 5-10% on taxes.

• Lower Age Restriction: Minors not less than 18 years old can access the medical marijuana program with the consent of a legal guardian or parent. 

The guardian buys and delivers the cannabis to the patient.

• Increased Geographical Access to medical cannabis: Depending on the laws of the state, you can use your medical card to purchase in another state. 

Like Utah’s non-resident qualified cannabis users, you may be subject to the limits of that state. 

But overall, you can legally buy medical cannabis from other states with a cannabis medical card model.

• Safe and Reliable Products:  Products sold at a licensed cannabis pharmacy are 3rd party lab-tested for purity and potency. 

Therefore, the products are easy to dose and effective. The lab results define the constituents of a product, notifying you of potential allergens. 

• Priority Access: In case of product shortages, those with a medical card are prioritized to get medical marijuana in Utah. 

Moreover, orders for qualified medical marijuana patients are processed faster, hence no long queues.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Medical Card in Utah 

You need to apply for the Utah medical marijuana card online with the Utah Department of Health.

The procedure to acquire a medical card for compliance with the Utah Medical Marijuana Program is easy:

1. Register with the DHHS for your medical marijuana card online. You’ll get a form to be used by the QMP to process your recommendation.

2. Qualify for the Utah medical marijuana program by proving you are a Utah resident and possess one qualifying condition. 

3. Attend the scheduled appointment with a QMP. You need to meet the physician physically for the first consultation. 

When applying for a renewal, we facilitate an online appointment for a smooth and efficient process. 

4. Submit your Utah medical marijuana card online application to the DHHS electronic verification system (EVS).

5. Enjoy your cannabis treatment purchase after approval. We will submit the recommendation within the EVS. 

One of the crucial steps you also need to remember is creating a Utah ID account. You’ll need the credentials to log in to the EVS.

There’s also a fee for the medical cannabis card: An initial application costs 15$ and the same for a 12-month renewal. 

It takes about two weeks or shorter for a medical card to be processed. On approval, a digital copy of the card is emailed to you. 

FAQ: The Legalities and Restrictions Surrounding the Use of Medical Marijuana in Utah

• Can I Grow Marijuana in Utah? No, even with a medical cannabis card, you can’t grow marijuana in Utah. Only companies with a cannabis cultivation license offered by the state can grow cannabis.
• Can I Use Medical Cannabis and Drive or Operate Machinery? No, it is illegal to operate machinery and drive under the influence of marijuana. You may be charged with DUI, a punishable offense. 
• Can I Use Medical Marijuana in the Workplace? With a valid MMJ Card, employees are protected from off-the-job use of medical marijuana in Utah. 

However, you are subject to the company’s policy on drug use, which may or may not be favorable to medical cannabis use.

Get Your Utah Medical Marijuana Card with Green Team Doctors Utah

The Utah medical marijuana card gives qualifying patients legal access to quality and reliable medical marijuana products. 

To become a qualifying patient, you need a recommendation from a QMP stating your cause and need for medical marijuana treatment. 

Partnering with an experienced QMP is crucial to the success of your application to start enjoying medical marijuana in Utah. 

At Green Team Doctors, our experience and passion to ensure all deserving patients access to natural solutions like medical cannabis. 

Book your appointment with us today for the recommendation you need for your MMJ Card.