While marijuana is not currently legal for recreational use in Utah, medical marijuana has been legal since 2018, when voters approved Proposition 2, which allows those with qualifying medical conditions to use marijuana with a recommendation from a licensed physician. Suppose you are a resident of Utah and have been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition. In that case, you may be wondering about the ways to get a medical marijuana card in Utah and legally access medical marijuana.
In this article, we will explore the different ways to obtain a medical marijuana card in Utah, including the steps you will need to take and the requirements you will need to meet. Whether you are a patient seeking relief from a chronic condition or a caregiver looking to support a loved one, understanding the process for obtaining a medical marijuana card in Utah is an essential first step in accessing the benefits of medical marijuana.
Different Ways to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Utah
Since the beginning of legal sales two years ago, several improvements have been made to the state’s medical cannabis program. For instance, medical cannabis is now available for home delivery or convenient pickup through a drive-through option, making it easier for patients, especially those who are medically fragile, to access the treatment they need. However, before you can enjoy all these and other privileges, let’s look at the 3 different ways you can obtain a medical marijuana card in Utah.
- An in-person visit with a licensed physician – This is the most common way to obtain a medical marijuana card in Utah. You will need to schedule an appointment with a licensed physician and visit their office in person to receive a recommendation for medical marijuana.
- Telemedicine appointment – If you cannot visit a licensed physician in person due to distance, mobility issues, or other reasons, you can also obtain a recommendation for medical marijuana through a telemedicine appointment. Telemedicine appointments allow you to receive a recommendation from a licensed physician remotely, typically through a video call.
- Mail-in application – If you cannot visit a licensed physician in person or participate in a telemedicine appointment, you can also apply for a medical marijuana card through the mail. This option involves filling out an application form and submitting it to the Utah Department of Health along with any required documentation and fees.
What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Cards in Utah?
Regardless of which method you choose above, it is essential to know if you qualify for a medical marijuana card by understanding the requirements you will need to meet. As part of the requirements, medical marijuana card applicants in Utah should have at least one of the conditions listed below;
- HIV or AIDS
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Persistent nausea that does not respond well to traditional treatment, except for nausea related to pregnancy or other conditions
- Epilepsy or severe seizures
- Multiple sclerosis or persistent and severe muscle spasms
- Post-traumatic stress disorder that is being treated and monitored by a licensed mental health therapist
- Autism
- A terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than six months
- Chronic pain lasting longer than two weeks that is not adequately managed with other treatments
So, what if your condition is not within the complete list of qualifying conditions per Utah State? In that case, you can petition the “compassionate use board” for your condition to be considered. The “compassionate use board” is a panel of medical experts in the state of Utah responsible for reviewing and making recommendations on the use of medical marijuana for individuals with certain qualifying medical conditions.
Other Steps Needed to Obtain your Marijuana Card in Utah
After confirming that you have a qualifying medical condition, you will then need to:
- Find a licensed physician who is registered to recommend medical cannabis. To obtain a medical marijuana card in Utah, you will need to visit a licensed physician and receive a recommendation for medical marijuana. This recommendation must be provided on an official form, which can be obtained from the Utah Department of Health. Locate a medical provider
- Complete the application process. Once you have received a recommendation from a licensed physician, you will need to complete the application process for a medical marijuana card. This process involves filling out an application form and submitting it to the Utah Department of Health along with any required documentation and fees.
- Wait for approval. After you have submitted your application, the Utah Department of Health will review it and decide whether to approve or deny your request for a medical marijuana card. You will receive your card in the mail if your application is approved.
After being issued a medical cannabis card from the UDOH, you may purchase products from a specialized pharmacy by presenting your card and a government-issued identification with a photograph, such as your driver’s license.
