The Utah Medical Cannabis Act was passed by lawmakers in December, 2018. They mandated that the program would begin by March 1, 2020. There are 15 qualifying medical conditions and a 16th option; if prospective patients do not have any of the qualifying conditions, they can petition the Compassionate Use Board to request that their condition be added. In this article I will explain everything you need to know about applying for a medical cannabis card in Utah.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
View the complete list of qualifying conditions here.
The Compassionate Use Board (CUB)
The Compassionate Use Board is responsible to review all card applications from patients under the age of 21 and patients with conditions not listed in statute.
The CUB is made up of seven qualified medical providers appointed by the Executive Director of the Utah Department of Health (UDOH). They were confirmed by the Utah State Senate. They review applications from the following applicants on a case-by-case basis:
- Patients under 21 years of age
- Patients with conditions not listed in the law but who have an intractable condition that:
- Significantly impairs the individual’s quality of life
- Has failed to respond adequately to conventional treatments according to a medical professional
The next deadline to submit applications is November 13, 2020 by 5pm MST.
Compassionate Use Patient Petition Form.
Medical Cannabis Card Application Process
Locate a Qualified Medical Provider (QMP)
Only a QMP can recommend medical cannabis treatment for patients.
They are limited to the following Utah licensed practitioners:
- Physicians
- Osteopaths
- Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
- Physicians Assistants
They are all required to meet the following requirements:
- Must be licensed to prescribe a controlled substance
- Must have completed four hours of continuing education classes before registration and an additional four hours for every two year renewal period
- May only recommend medical cannabis treatment to a maximum of 175 patients at one time or may not exceed 300 patients at a time if they are certified in the following fields:
anesthesiology, neurology, oncology, pain, hospice and palliative medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, rheumatology, or psychiatry or if a licensed business employs or contracts the QMP for the specific purpose of providing hospice and palliative care.
- May only recommend medical cannabis treatment within a bona fide physician-patient relationship after documenting into the patient’s record a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition and medical history.
Meet with your QMP
You are required to meet with your QMP in person at which time your provider will fill out an assessment of your medical condition and history and enter it into your patient record. This visit may occur prior to or after the registration of the QMP by the Utah Department of Health (UDOH).
Pandemic Update: Utah offers telemedicine where you can meet with a cannabis doctor by smartphone, tablet or computer from the safety of your home. Here is the link to fill out a registration form. https://medcard.app/how-to-get-a-medical-marijuana-card-in-utah/
Create a Utah ID Account
Apply online using the Utah Electronic Verification System (EVS).
QMP Must Complete Recommendation
During the application process, your QMP must complete their portion of the application online which includes a recommendation for medical cannabis treatment.
Fee Payment
You are required to pay the $15 application fee online after which your application is sent to the UDOH for review and approval.
UDOH Review & Approval
The UDOH will review your application and confirm that all requirements have been met.
- For patients 21 and older with a qualifying condition, the process will be completed in 15 days or less upon submission of your application
- For patients under 21 years of age or an adult patient without a qualifying condition, the review process will take up to 90 days per review by the CUB. You will receive an email with a status update of your petition request by the CUB.
Receive Medical Card
Upon approval, you will receive your card via email. You can store it on a smartphone or print it out.
Types of Cards
- Patient Card for those 18 and older. Those under 21 must receive approval from the CUB.
- Provisional Patient Card for eligible minors under the age of 18.
- Guardian Card for parents or legal guardians of eligible minors. This card is issued along with a provisional patient card, both of which must first receive approval by the CUB.
- Caregivers Cards for adults 21 and older who are acting as caregivers for patients not able to purchase medical cannabis themselves. The patient cardholders must designate their caregiver on the application.
Card Validation/Renewal
1. The first medical cannabis card is valid for 30 days from issuance date
2. The patient and their QMP must renew the card online within the first 30 days to avoid expiration
3. Subsequent renewal cycles are every 6 months
Fees
- Patient Card (initial): $15
- Patient Card (first 30-day renewal): $5
- Patient Card (six-month renewal): $15
- Guardian Card (initial): $66.25
- Guardian Card (first 30-day renewal): $5
- Guardian Card (six-month renewal): $24
- Caregiver Card (initial): $66.25
- Caregiver Card (six-month renewal): $14
Sources:
kutv.com, How To Get Medical Cannabis in Utah: Everything You Need To Know, Adam Forgie, Feb. 25, 2020
medicalcannabis.utah.gov, Compassionate Use Board Patient Petition Form
https://health.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/MedCanFactSheet4-8-19.pdf
medcard.app, How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card in Utah