Cannabis: Relief Without the High

Frequently Asked Questions

We know there can be some stigma and misconception around the use of medicinal marijuana. We want to ensure every patient is equipped with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision that is best for their needs.

Q: How do I get a medical cannabis card in Utah?
A: Individuals may apply for a medical cannabis card HERE. Medical cannabis cards cannot be obtained from a medical cannabis pharmacy, medical clinic, or from any entity other than DHHS. The requirements to get a medical cannabis card include:

1. Must be a Utah Resident;

2. Must have at least one qualifying condition;

3. Submit an application online;

4. Meet in-person with a medical provider - such as one at Anodyne of Utah Valley - registered with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services to recommend medical cannabis;

5. The medical provider has certified your eligibility for a medical cannabis card online; and

6. Pay a small application fee online (currently $15).
   

NOTE: If a patient is a minor under the age of 21 or if they are an adult over 21 but do not have a qualifying condition, the application must be reviewed by the Compassionate Use Board. A minor cannot receive a medical cannabis card unless their parent or legal guardian qualifies for a medical cannabis guardian card.

Q: How long is a medical cannabis card good for?
A: The default expiration date for Medical Cannabis cards issued after 5/2023 is one year. Recommending medical providers have the ability to select a shorter expiration date of 6 months or three months for new patients or others who need more frequent follow-ups.

Q: What is considered a qualifying condition?
A: More than 90% of people will say pain is their primary complaint when seeking relief with Medical Marijuana. According to Utah law, pain is a qualifying condition if it lasts longer than two weeks and is not controlled with typical medication, like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or physical therapy.

In 2022, lawmakers added acute pain as a qualifying condition. This is pain that is expected to last for two weeks or longer for an acute condition or surgical procedure in which a medical professional may generally prescribe opioids for a limited duration.

Qualifying conditions under the Utah Medical Cannabis Act are listed below:

• HIV or acquired immune deficiency syndrome

• Alzheimer's disease

• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

• cancer

• cachexia

• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

• epilepsy or debilitating seizures

• multiple sclerosis or persistent and debilitating muscle spasms

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is being treated and monitored by a licensed health therapist, and that:

  • has been diagnosed by a healthcare provider by the Veterans Administration and documented in the patient's record; or

  • has been diagnosed or confirmed by evaluation from a psychiatrist, masters prepared psychologist, a masters prepared licensed clinical social worker, or a psychiatric APRN

• autism

• a terminal illness when the patient's life expectancy is less than six months

• a condition resulting in the individual receiving hospice care

• a rare condition or disease that affects less than 200,000 individuals in the U.S., as defined in federal law, and that is not adequately managed despite treatment attempts using conventional medications (other than opioids or opiates) or physical interventions

• persistent 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

• 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 may generally prescribe opioids for a limited duration
  

Note: Patients with medical conditions not listed in the law may petition the Compassionate Use Board for a medical cannabis card, which will review complete petitions and recommend eligibility on a case-by-case basis. LMPs are unable to submit to the Compassionate Use Board.

Q: How much cannabis are card holders allowed to purchase or possess at one time?
A: Qualifying patients may not possess more than an amount sufficient to provide 30 days of treatment based on the dosing guidelines recommended by their recommending medical provider and may not exceed:

• More than 113 grams of unprocessed cannabis (flower); and

• More than 20 grams of total composite THC in all other medicinal dosage forms.
  

Within a 30-day period, qualifying patients may not purchase more than an amount sufficient to provide 30 days of treatment based on the dosing guidelines recommended by their recommending medical provider and may not exceed:

• more than 113 grams of unprocessed cannabis (flower); and

• more than 20 grams of total composite THC in all other medicinal dosage forms.
  

Q: Where can I get updates from the DHHS medical cannabis program in Utah?
A: Monthly updates and other news can be found HERE. To sign up for the DHHS Center for Medical Cannabis Monthly Update emails, click HERE.

You can also find the complete FAQ from Utah's DHHS.