Utah’s Medical Cannabis Program Continues to Improve

On March 2, 2020, Utah’s first medical cannabis pharmacy opened in Salt Lake City. Since then, several improvements have been made, including home delivery, drive-through pickup, and expanded patient protections. In 2022, lawmakers passed bills improving employment rights (SB 46), labeling (SB 190), and access for acute pain and terminal patients (SB 195).

History of Medical Cannabis in Utah

In 2018, 53% of voters approved Proposal 2, legalizing medical cannabis. Following negotiations with lawmakers and other groups, a compromise bill was enacted to establish a regulated but restrictive program. Since then, multiple revisions have improved patient protections, physician participation, and access.

Medical Cannabis Program Summary

• Patient Licenses: Patients with a recommendation from a registered provider can apply for a medical cannabis card. Renewals are required every six months.
• Qualifying Conditions: Includes cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, autism, chronic pain, and more. Patients can petition for additional conditions.
• Possession Limits: Patients can possess up to four ounces of flower or 20 grams of THC. Home cultivation is not allowed.
• Anti-Discrimination Protections: Patients cannot be denied organ transplants, housing, or employment based on legal cannabis use.
• Medical Cannabis Access: 14 licensed pharmacies operate in Utah. Smoking cannabis is prohibited, but patients can use tablets, oils, capsules, lozenges, and topicals.

Cannabis Prohibition & Decriminalization

Utah still jails people for simple marijuana possession—one of only 19 states to do so. Possessing an ounce or less can result in six months in jail. Studies show Black Utah residents are nearly four times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white residents.

Take Action!

Tell lawmakers to reduce penalties for cannabis possession and support full legalization—a policy backed by over 60% of Utah voters.

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