Medical Cannabis

Since the Utah Medical Cannabis Act took effect, patients in Utah with certain qualifying conditions may legally use medical cannabis. The program is administered by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, which issues medical cannabis patient cards and licenses the medical cannabis pharmacies where products may be purchased.

A patient card is issued only after a medical provider who is registered with the state program has evaluated the patient and entered a recommendation in the state’s system. Cannabis remains a controlled substance under federal law, and the state program does not change that.

The list of qualifying conditions is set by Utah law and is published by the Department of Health and Human Services. It has included conditions such as cancer, HIV or AIDS, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis and persistent muscle spasms, post-traumatic stress disorder, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, persistent nausea, terminal illness, and pain lasting longer than two weeks that has not been adequately managed by other treatments. The list changes over time; the state’s current list is the one that applies.

Having a qualifying condition does not by itself mean medical cannabis is the right treatment. A provider weighs it against a patient’s other conditions, medications and history, the same as any other therapy.

Evaluation

A registered provider reviews your medical history and current treatment and discusses whether medical cannabis may help.

Recommendation

If appropriate, the provider enters a recommendation in the state’s electronic verification system.

Patient card

You apply to the Department of Health and Human Services for a medical cannabis patient card. Cards are issued for a limited period and must be renewed.

Purchase

With a valid card, products may be purchased only from a licensed Utah medical cannabis pharmacy.

Follow-up

Ongoing visits let your provider review how the treatment is working alongside the rest of your care.

If you think you may qualify, or you want to know whether medical cannabis fits with the care you already receive from us, call the office or send us a message and we will help you take the next step.