Utah’s Medical Cannabis Program reached a milestone last month, but there will be more improvements to the program in the future.
After a successful referendum in 2018, the state program began in early 2020. State issues medical cannabis cards after patients are verified by Qualified Medical Providers (QMP). Among the qualifying conditions are Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cancer, cachexia and persistent pain that last for more than two weeks, or acute pain for a condition such as surgery.
Smoking cannabis or eating edible cannabis products is prohibited.
As per the April 2025 report According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, just over 100,000 people have medical cards that are active. Around 3,000 of them registered for the card in April. . Other Statistics
- The number of qualified medical providers (QMPs) is 993
- Pharmacy Agents:
- Processor/cultivator agents: 800
- Courier agents: 306
- Preferred pharmacy medical providers (PMPs).
With 85,355 qualifying patients, persistent pain is the most prevalent condition. PTSD is next (6,573) followed by nausea (2,000) and cancer (2,016). More than 70% of patients are aged 21 – 50.
Sales of medical marijuana products in April exceeded US$15million, and the total since 2020 has reached more than $580million.
Among recent and upcoming changes to the program, the DHHS has begun providing information inserts about products at medical cannabis pharmacies that include dosing information, instructions, side effects, safe storage recommendations, and more. In addition, the processor’s websites include information about products, including test results, and what pharmacies carry certain products.
Pharmacy websites will begin posting back-panel information on July 1, 2025. Products will also include warning labels for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding by January 1. From July 1, medical cannabis card fees will also be reduced to $8.00 from $15. While the default expiration date for cards is one year, recommending medical providers can choose a shorter expiration date of 6 months or three months for new patients; or others who may require more frequent follow-ups.
Utah Medical Cannabis: More information can be found here.