Utah Cannabis Laws

 Is cannabis legal in Utah?

Only medical cannabis is legal in Utah. Non-medical use is prohibited.

What are the medical marijuana laws in Utah?

Medical Cannabis Laws in Utah

2014

House Bill 105 (HB 105) was signed by Governor Gary Herbert, legalizing the possession and use of low-THC CBD oil by registered patients with a physician’s recommendation and intractable epilepsy. However, the bill did not allow patients to acquire the oil legally.

2018

Utah Medical Cannabis Act HB 3001

In February 2018, the Utah House of Representatives passed HB 195, a bill to legalize the “right to try” and grow medical marijuana plants for terminally ill patients.

The state must set provisions for dispensaries to open by January 2021.

All patients must hold a valid medical cannabis card to purchase and possess medical cannabis products legally.

Recreational Cannabis Laws in Utah

Adult — or recreational cannabis — use is not legal in Utah. Although many in Utah favor federal legalization, there are still stringent laws against its use.

What medical conditions qualify for a medical marijuana card in Utah?

The following conditions may qualify you for a Utah medical marijuana certificate and card:

• AIDS/HIV
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Autism
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Crohn’s disease
• Debilitating seizures
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Persistent, debilitating muscle spasms, such as those caused by Parkinson’s disease (PD)
• Persistent, severe nausea
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Terminal illness
• A rare condition that affects less than 200K US Citizens
• Any condition approved by the Compassion Board

How do I get certified for medical cannabis in Utah?

There are three simple steps to getting your Utah medical marijuana card. Please note that Leafwell is currently unable to certify patients in the state.

1. Create an account with the Utah Medical Cannabis Program. The address is id.utah.gov. Then you must complete your Electronic Verification – click here to watch a video that will help with both steps.
2. See an MMJ doctor in person to be evaluated for medical cannabis. This must be done in a face-to-face appointment, not via telehealth.
3. Return to your account with the Utah Medical Cannabis Program to pay for your card.

Is telemedicine allowed for medical cannabis consultations in Utah?

Yes, telemedicine is legal in Utah but only for renewals for existing medical cannabis patients. You must see the same physician who initially approved you for medical cannabis.

How much cannabis can I possess in Utah with an MMJ card?

• For medical card holders = Less than 100 miles from a dispensary – 56 grams of unprocessed cannabis (flower); or More than 10 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in medicinal form. 100 + miles from a dispensary – 113 grams of unprocessed cannabis (flower); or More than 20 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in medicinal form. Physicians may recommend a different amount.
• For recreational users = Illegal

Is it legal to grow cannabis in Utah?

It is illegal to grow cannabis in Utah.

Does Utah accept out-of-state cards?

Utah has medical marijuana reciprocity and recognizes medical marijuana cards issued by other state MMJ programs.

Will my Utah cannabis card be accepted in other states?

Some states accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards. This is called medical marijuana reciprocity.

The following states accept or recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards:

• Arizona
• Arkansas *
• California ^
• Colorado ^
• Connecticut ^
• Hawaii *
• Illinois ^
• Maine
• Maryland ^ (as of July 2023)
• Massachusetts
• Michigan (qualifying state must also have reciprocity with Michigan)
• Missouri ^
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey *
• New Mexico * (recreational cannabis is legal in NM)
• New York ^
• Oklahoma *
• Oregon ^
• Pennsylvania (minors only)
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• U.S. Virgin Islands *
• Utah (max. 45 days, after which the patient must apply for a Utah MMJ card)
• Vermont ^
• Virginia ^
• Washington ^
• Washington, D.C.

States marked with * require visitors to complete a visiting patient application for their stay.

States marked with ^ have adult use programs but do not accept out-of-state cards.

Are there employment laws protecting medical cannabis cardholders in Utah?

Utah’s legislature clarified that anyone with an MMJ license — including medical doctors and school teachers — will be allowed to use medical cannabis without fear of losing their jobs. However, if use affects the performance or the safety of others, then employers may still seek action. Similarly, employers may prohibit use at work.

What are the medical cannabis product testing requirements in Utah?

Utah tests its cannabis products extensively, and lab testing for mold, mildew, pesticides, solvents, mycotoxins and microbial, heavy metals and other pollutants, and cannabinoid content is all a requirement.

Where is it safe to purchase cannabis in Utah?

In all states with a medical marijuana program, the only way to purchase medicinal cannabis products is via a legally licensed dispensary, pharmacy, or another legally designated space to buy cannabis. Only those with a legal license to sell cannabis can do so.

Where is it safe to consume marijuana in Utah?

All states with a medical marijuana program have some restrictions on where a person can legally use cannabis. Near schools, nurseries, parks, or other places where children are expected to be, using cannabis is illegal. Use of cannabis on or in federal land or buildings, hospitals, or other such healthcare space is also illegal. Private members’ clubs and landowners may also prohibit cannabis use on their property or restrict it at their discretion.

The safest place to use medical cannabis is in the safety of your own home. It is wise to use common sense, generally keep consumption out of public view, and utilize discreet consumption methods wherever possible.