Utah operates a conservative medical marijuana program that became legal after voter approval in 2018, with dispensaries opening in 2020. The program serves patients with qualifying conditions but prohibits smoking (only vaporization allowed) and home cultivation. Utah maintains some of the strictest medical cannabis regulations while completely prohibiting recreational use. The state charges low registration fees ($15) but limits access through strict physician requirements and limited dispensary locations. Utah represents a cautious approach to medical cannabis with strong regulatory oversight.
To get a medical marijuana card in Utah: 1) Get certified by a qualified Utah physician registered with the medical cannabis program, 2) Submit an application to the Utah Department of Health with physician recommendation and required documents, 3) Pay application fees, 4) Receive medical cannabis card upon approval.
Medical marijuana qualifying conditions include: Alzheimer's disease, ALS, cancer, cachexia, Crohn's disease, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, ulcerative colitis, chronic pain, persistent nausea, severe anorexia, severe pain, and terminal illness. The state may add additional conditions through regulatory process.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services oversees the medical marijuana program through its Center for Medical Cannabis. The department handles patient registration, physician certification, dispensary licensing, and regulatory compliance for all medical cannabis operations in the state.
Yes, medical marijuana patients must register with the Utah Department of Health to receive a medical cannabis identification card. This card is required to legally possess and purchase medical cannabis from licensed medical cannabis pharmacies throughout Utah.
Qualified medical patients access cannabis through state-licensed dispensaries called medical cannabis pharmacies. Patients must have a valid medical cannabis card and government-issued ID to purchase products. Utah has a limited number of dispensaries serving patients statewide.
Medical marijuana registration costs around $15 for Utah residents for the state fee, plus physician consultation costs. Cards are typically valid for one year and must be renewed with updated physician certifications. Utah maintains some of the lowest registration fees in the nation.
