How to Access Medical Marijuana in Utah: Top 4 Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
The advent of medical marijuana dispensaries in Utah has opened an avenue for citizens to access quality and reliable cannabis products.
Thanks to the passage of the Utah Medical Cannabis Act in 2018, the state opened its doors to the use of medical cannabis for qualifying patients.
Qualifying patients get to tap into the medical benefits of marijuana, which also provides a natural or unconventional treatment option for various conditions.
However, you can only legally purchase medical marijuana from a medical marijuana dispensary in Utah using a medical marijuana card (MMJ Card).
But what really identifies you as a qualifying patient? How do you get an MMJ card? Also, which medical marijuana dispensaries in Utah sell quality medical cannabis products?
We answer these questions and more in this comprehensive guide. Let’s get started.
Understanding Utah Marijuana Laws
Upon legislation, individuals meeting specific requirements are allowed to consume medical cannabis for medical purposes.
Medical cannabis is made from the hemp plant, which contains less than 0.3% THC and is abundant with CBD.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive or intoxicating compound in cannabis. But, CBD or cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating compound known for its potential medical benefits.
Any medical cannabis product has to meet the above criteria (< 0.3% THC) in cannabinoid content. Possession of marijuana products containing higher THC amounts (unless by prescription) could lead to litigation.
Other than the strict standards on the composition of products, there are requirements for eligible patients.
First, the patient requesting to buy from a medical marijuana dispensary in Utah should have a qualifying condition, as stated in the Utah Department of Health website.
The conditions include but are not limited to:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- HIV
- Epilepsy
- Ulcerative colitis
- Persistent Nausea
Second, minors (i.e., individuals under 18 years) and individuals without qualifying conditions can’t purchase cannabis.
However, they may appeal to the Compassionate Use Board under special circumstances to be classified as a qualifying patient or receive a patient license.
Notably, minors are not permitted to access medical marijuana dispensaries in Utah, but their guardians may access it on their behalf.
Finally, you need a patient license, which is also known as a medical marijuana card.
You can obtain a patient license by submitting an application to the Utah Department of Health.
They will request a recommendation from a registered healthcare provider. Such include the Green Team Doctors, a team of Qualified Medical Providers (QMPs) based in Utah.
Simply book an appointment with a QMP, get a recommendation, which they can upload on your behalf, and be well on your way to an MMJ Card. More on this process later.
The other concern is with marijuana possession limits. You can only purchase up to one month’s supply at a go from a medical cannabis dispensary.
Moreover, you can purchase a limit of 20 grams of THC or 4 ounces of flower.
Then again, you need to know the allowable forms of cannabis products sold at medical marijuana dispensaries. And how their effects stack against each other.
Type of Medical Cannabis Products Available at Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Utah
Cannabis products sold in medical marijuana dispensaries take various forms, providing unique benefits for consumers.
Some common and acceptable forms of cannabis products include:
- Flower or bud – Buds are a medical marijuana dispensary product that can be smoked or used to make cannabis-infused products.
Smoking buds is the most popular and traditional method of consuming cannabis. The buds are rolled into a joint and lit up, causing combustion in the buds and creating inhalable smoke.
The smoke reaches the bloodstream fast through the lungs, hence potentially ideal for symptoms like pain, nausea, and anxiety.
- Tablets – Medical marijuana tablets are typically made from synthetic or organic raw materials. They aren’t less effective but relatively stable and last longer in the body.
Some are even specially made to break down in the small intestine for even faster absorption and bioavailability.
Nonetheless, unlike smoking, tablets and other medical marijuana forms taken orally take longer to onset.
They have to bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream, where the compounds travel to the liver and are distributed to target areas in your body.
It can take 30 min to 2 hours for medical marijuana taken orally to take effect.
- Capsules – Capsules in medical marijuana dispensaries are a good alternative to tablets.
They work in the same manner as tablets, with the major difference being their appearance.
Capsules have a shell that contains cannabis extract in powder, pellet, or gel form.
Capsules break down faster than tablets, giving more immediate relief.
Their structure gives them higher bioavailability than tablets for faster absorption into the bloodstream, increasing their effectiveness.
- Concentrated Oil – Cannabis oil concentrate is a pure extract from medical marijuana trims that offers diverse applications.
Cannabis oil in medical dispensaries can be consumed sublingually or applied topically to cause relief.
Oils contain up to 90% purity; hence, they are quite effective and potent.
Their purity makes them suitable for qualifying patients with severe and chronic conditions.
- Liquid Suspensions – Liquid suspensions are classified as cannabis-infused liquids taken orally, such as beverages.
Beverages offer a discrete and easy way to medicate with medical marijuana.
They offer a delicious method of consumption while delivering a quick onset and increased duration of effects.
- Topicals – Topicals are cannabis salves, lotions, or oils that are applied to the skin.
They are much preferred for providing localised relief for conditions like pain, skin conditions, and muscle spasms.
Topicals are considered non-intoxicating, making them suitable for patients concerned with the psychoactive effects of medical marijuana.
- Transdermal Patches – Transdermal patches are a drug delivery method that involves placing an adhesive patch on the skin to deliver a specific dose.
It’s a suitable method of cannabis consumption for those opposed to smoking.
It may take longer for the cannabinoids to reach the bloodstream compared to other forms. However, it’s effective for localized relief and consistent drug delivery.
- Lozenges – Lozenges are the closest thing to consuming cannabis-infused candies in Utah.
Medical marijuana dispensaries in Utah aren’t allowed to sell any form of edibles, including candies.
Lozenges provide a candy-like experience while consuming medical marijuana. Lozenges are preferred for their discreetness and delicious and flavourful nature.
Any other form of cannabis product, like edibles and vapes, is considered illegal to consume or possess, even with an MMJ card.
Now that we have the various forms of cannabis available in Utah, where can you buy these fantastic products?
Top 4 Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Utah
Medical cannabis dispensaries provide access to quality and affordable cannabis products.
Here’s our list of dispensary medical cannabis locations:
1. WholesomeCo
WholesomeCo is a medical dispensary based in Bountiful, Utah.
They do free delivery in Utah. You can also order online for same-day delivery, pickup, or drive-thru.
2. The Flower Shop
The Flower Shop is a medical cannabis dispensary at 2150 N Main, North Logan or Wall Ave, South Ogden.
Visit their store for premium cannabis products.
3. Beehive Farmacy
The Beehive Farmacy is located in Salt Lake and Brigham City.
The medical cannabis dispensary is known for its great inventory and flexibility.
4. Curaleaf
Curaleaf is one of the largest medical cannabis dispensaries in Utah, with stores in Payson, Lehi, Park City, and Provo.
Get Your Marijuana Medical Card with Green Team Doctors in Utah
Getting your medical marijuana card in Utah doesn’t have to get complicated with Green Team Doctors.
Who are we?
We are a coalition of practising physicians with a combined experience of 300+ years who are passionate about providing access to medical marijuana for its potential medical benefits.
To get started, register your interest online with Green Team Doctors.
Once you qualify, i.e., have a qualifying condition and are a Utah resident, we will schedule your appointment for the initial physical consultation.
The QMP will approve you and you can get started on your application to the Utah Department of Health. ‘s EVS (Electronic Verification System) for your MMJ card.
We will submit the QMP recommendation to the EVS n your behalf
Pay the fee for acquiring the card and wait about 15 days to confirm your approval status.
Download the medical marijuana card and enjoy your purchase of cannabis products from your favourite medical marijuana dispensary.
The MMJ card expires yearly; you can book an appointment for renewals. For renewals, it’s a virtual telemedicine appointment for extra convenience.
Wrapping It Up
Understanding the Utah Marijuana Laws provides a good opportunity to tap into potential medical benefits.
The laws demand you get a medical marijuana card, which allows you to purchase medical cannabis in medical marijuana dispensaries in Utah legally.
But to get an MMJ Card, you need to apply with the Utah Department of Health, which requires a recommendation from a certified medical practitioner.
At Green Team Doctors, we are a coalition of certified, highly compassionate physicians opening the world of alternative medications to Utah residents.
Book an appointment with us today and get a recommendation to start consuming medical cannabis.
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