QUALIFYING PATIENTS IN UTAH

If you would like to become a medical cannabis patient in Utah, start by visiting a medical provider registered by the Utah Department of Health. If you are unsure if your primary care physician is registered to certify cannabis patients, you can check the state's database of medical providers. The Qualified medical provider (QMP) will conduct a thorough assessment of your condition and medical history.

Once a QMP has certified that you qualify to become a medical cannabis patient, you can sign up for an account to begin the registration process. Once you have initiated the application, your QMP is going to have to login and complete their section of the application.

There is an initial $15 fee for the Patient card as well as a $5 fee after 90 days and a recurring $15 fee every six months.

Eligible conditions:

If you are diagnosed with one of the following conditions, you may be eligible for physician certification as a patient in Utah:

• HIV or AIDS
• Alzheimer's disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Cancer
• Cachexia
• Persistent nausea that is not significantly responsive to traditional treatment except for nausea related to: pregnancy, cannabis-induced cyclic vomiting syndrome, or CBD hyperemesis syndrome
• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Epilepsy or debilitating seizures
• Multiple sclerosis or debilitating muscle spasms
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is being treated and monitored by a mental health therapist and that: has been diagnosed by a health care provider or mental health provider by the VA and documented in the patient's record; or has been diagnosed or confirmed by evaluation by a psychiatrist, doctorate psychologist, a doctorate licensed clinical social worker, or a psych APRN
• Autism
• Terminal illness when the patient's remaining life expectancy is less than 6 months
• Condition resulting in the individual receiving hospice care
• Rare condition or disease that affects less than 200,000 individuals in the U.S., as defined in federal law and this is not adequately managed despite treatment attempts using conventional medications (other than opioids or opiates) or physical interventions
• Pain lasting longer than two weeks that is not adequately managed, in the qualified medical provider's opinion, despite treatment attempts using conventional medications other than opioids or opiates or physical interventions
• If a patient does not have a qualifying condition specifically named, they may petition the Compassionate Use Board for approval of their medical cannabis card.

Becoming a Patient as a Minor:

If you wish to become a patient in Utah but are under the age of 18, you will be issued a card subject to the approval of the Compassionate Use Board. Patients under 18 received provisional patient cards in addition to receiving a guardian card. A parent or legal guardian will have to fill out the application on your behalf. They will have to serve as your caregiver and will be responsible for acquiring your medical cannabis as well as monitoring and administering treatment.

Benefits of Being a Patient:

As a patient, you will have an affirmative defense in court if you are arrested for cannabis possession. You will also be legally protected from discrimination based on your cannabis use in a child custody hearing. An employer will not be allowed to fire you on the basis of your enrollment in the program. You will also not be turned away from an organ transplant due to your use of cannabis.

Becoming a Caregiver:

Caregivers are permitted, but only for minor-patients and the caregiver must be the patient's parent or legal guardian. A parent or legal guardian is required to serve as the cardholder for a patient under the age of 18.

Out-of-State Patients:

The state of Utah does not recognize Out-of-State patient registrations. For more information about traveling as a medical cannabis patient, check out our Travel Guide.

Home Cultivation:

Growing cannabis at home is not legal in the state of Utah.

 

Medical cannabis patients can find additional resources here

If you appreciate ASA's work, join now to become a part of the movement & sign up to get ASA's monthly newsletters and updates.