How to Qualify for Medical Marijuanas in Utah in 2024 in 4 Steps

Photo by Joshua T

Is Medical Marijuana Legal In Utah?

Yes, medical marijuana is legal in Utah for cardholders. But first, you must legally qualify for a medical marijuana card in Utah in order to possess and use medical cannabis. This post will cover the conditions, steps and laws involved so you know how to qualify for your medical marijuana card.

At this time, recreational cannabis remains illegal in Utah. This post will give you an overview of the laws regarding cannabis in Utah, explain how you can qualify for a medical marijuana card and also review any recent changes to the law so you can understand your rights.

Consider this article your complete guide to Utah medical marijuana law.

Let’s start off by exploring the legal history of cannabis in the Beehive State.

Utah Medical Marijuanas Laws

Given the general conservative attitude about substances, many believe Utah was the first state to legally ban cannabis. However, some scholars report that as far back as 1913 California banned the sale of marijuana. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints banned cannabis in August 1915 and the state soon followed.

In March 2014 House Bill 105 was signed into law by Governor Gary Herbert. This legalized the possession and use of low-THC CBD oil on minors suffering from intractable epilepsy under a neurologists recommendation. It also allowed for the commercial growth and extraction of hemp. This would happen at the federal level with the 2018 Farm Bill.

There were a string of failed attempts to legalize medical marijuana. In 2015, Senator Mark B. Madsen proposed Senate Bill 259 which would legalize medical marijuana for certain qualifying conditions. However, given it was 8 days before the end of the session the bill failed. Madsen would try again in 2016 with Senate Bill 73. Senate Bill 89 attempted to expand the use of low-THC CBD oil but this also failed to get passed into law.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 did successfully pass in 2016 which reclassified marijuana as a Schedule II drug so it would be available for medical use. That was a great step in the right direction for medical marijuana legislation.

On March 21, 2018 HB 195 was signed into law legalizing the “right to try” cannabis for terminally ill patients. It allowed terminally ill patients to grow their own marijuana plants.

On November 6, 2018, voters voted on Proposition 2 legalizing medical marijuana in the state. This also set a date for the opening of dispensaries by January 2021. In December, the Utah Legislature passed HB3001 making additional adjustments to the Utah Medical Cannabis Act.

For more on Utah medical marijuana laws check out this post.

Utah Medical Marijuanas Card Requirements & Limitations:

The requirements to obtain your medical marijuana card in Utah include:

• Must be a Utah Resident
• Must have a qualifying condition
• Complete an application online
• Diagnosis and certification from a medical provider registered with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services to recommend medical cannabis
• a $15 application fee

Green Health Docs has Utah-eligible doctors who can meet you the same day.

Utah Medical Card Qualifying Conditions

Medical marijuana law requires that a patient have one of the qualifying conditions decided on the state level. These conditions are deemed helped by a medical marjuana prescription. Here is a list of approved conditions:

• AIDS/HIV
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Cancer
• Cachexia
• Persistent Nausea that does not respond to traditional treatment except related to:
  • Pregnancy
  • Cannabis-Induced Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome
  • Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
• Crohn’s Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Epilepsy or Debilitating Seizures
• Multiple Sclerosis or Persistent And Debilitating Muscle Spasms
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Must be diagnosed by a therapist who is:
  • a healthcare provider approved by the veterans administration and documented in the patient’s record
  • a psychiatrist, masters prepared psychologist, a master’s prepared licensed clinical social worker, or a psychiatric APRN
• Autism
• Terminal Illness with less than 6 months
• A Condition Resulting in Hospice Care
• a rare condition or disease that affects less than 200,000 individuals in the US, as defined in federal law, and is not adequately managed despite treatment attempts using conventional medications (other than opioids or opiates) or physical intervention
• persistent pain lasting longer than 2 weeks that is not adequately managed despite treatment attempts using conventional medications other than opioids or opiates or physical intervention
• acute pain that is expected to last for 2 weeks or longer for an acute condition, including a surgical procedure, for which a medical professional might prescribe opioids

For non-qualifying conditions, a physician can complete the Compassionate Use Board Petition form in REDCap to see if your condition can qualify. These petitions are reviewed on a 90 day basis and you still may qualify.

How To Obtain A Medical Marijuana Card In Utah

1. Book an Appointment

Schedule by filling out the form on this page or call or text 240-356-1000 to set up your consultation. Same-day appointments are available and you may even be able to meet a doctor within 15 minutes!

2. Create a Utah ID Account

Sign up for a Utah ID account at id.utah.gov. For Utah ID account creation instructions, click here.

3. Meet With Your Doctor

After a quick evaluation you can find out if you qualify for a medical marijuana recommendation.

4. Submit Your Application

If approved, your doctor will enter your certification online with the state immediately so that you can apply for your Utah medical marijuanas card. Once you pay your application fee your application is complete.

It can take up to 15 days for the state to review your application. This page also has helpful renewal information.

Photo by Kace Lott

Utah Medical Card FAQs

Here are some common questions to help you better understand medical marijuana in Utah.

Is It Easy To Get A Medical Card In Utah?

Yes, the process is simple. While you do have to fill out a form online if you follow the steps listed above you can have your medical marijuana card in 15-17 days.

Can You Get A Medical Card At 18 In Utah?

Yes, you can qualify for a medical marijuana card if you are 18 years or older. Parents and guardians of minors can also obtain a caregiver card.

Can You Grow Medical Marijuana In Utah?

Home cultivation of marijuana remains illegal in Utah even if you are a medical marijuana cardholder. This may change in the future but only licensed cultivators of cannabis can grow cannabis in the state.

Does Utah Accept Out Of State Medical Marijuana Cards?

Utah does not accept out of state medical marijuana cards. However, if you are an out-of-state cardholder and have one of the state’s qualifying conditions you can obtain a Non-Utah Resident Card. This is a temporary card you can use while visiting Utah.

Where Can You Find Utah Medical Marijuana Dispensaries?

This page lists all of Utah’s medical marijuana dispensaries. This will help you find the right dispensary once you’ve obtained your medical marijuana card.

Final Thoughts

Medical marijuana is legal in Utah and Green Health Docs can help you find the right medical marijuana doctor in Utah. Our goal is to make the process of getting a medical marijuana card in Utah simple and seamless. Laws can change over time and it’s important to keep an eye on the current state of legislation. Keep an eye on posts for updates about the state of medical marijuana in Utah.

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.