Utah shocked much of the nation when residents approved a proposition legalizing medical cannabis in the state. Original projections suggested a limited number of state residents would be interested in obtaining a medical cannabis card. But the state blew through those projections fairly quickly. Five years in, Utah is already home to more than 100,000 active card holders.
Crossing the 100K threshold is a monumental achievement for medical cannabis advocates in the Beehive State. Just getting the original proposition passed was an uphill battle. Once past, proponents had to take state lawmakers to court to force them to create a medical cannabis program in compliance with the proposition’s language.
The state began issuing medical cannabis cards in 2020. They also licensed more than a dozen medical cannabis pharmacies, including Beehive Farmacy with locations in both Salt Lake City and Brigham City. The industry has not looked back since.
Persistent Pain and PTSD
Medical cannabis is alive and well in Utah because the needs are real. According to state numbers, persistent pain is still the chief complaint listed on medical cannabis card applications. Also known as chronic pain in some circles, persistent pain lasts for a while and does not necessarily respond to more traditional treatments.
Interestingly, Utah lawmakers added acute pain to the list of qualifying conditions a couple of years ago. Acute pain, like the pain expected following major surgery, can now be treated with medical cannabis if a doctor believes it would otherwise be treated with opioids. Patients can opt for medical cannabis cards rather than opioid prescriptions.
As far as PTSD is concerned, it is another chief complaint found on medical cannabis card applications. Cannabis is believed to help by reducing anxiety and stress, helping patience sleep, and minimizing flashbacks.
Getting a Card in Utah
Obtaining a medical cannabis card in Utah isn’t difficult in practice. A patient starts by creating an online account within the state electronic verification system (EVS). A patient with an existing UtahID can establish an account in minutes. Those without a UtahID must get one first.
Once an account has been created, the patient pays a visit to a qualified medical provider (QMP) or limited medical provider (LMP) for a complete medical assessment. If the medical provider agrees that medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment, that individual writes a recommendation that is entered into the EVS.
The final step is for the patient to complete their application and submit it along with the required fee. The state then has 15 days to review and approve the application, followed by issuing a card electronically. Cards can be stored on a patient’s mobile device or printed on paper.
The Qualifying Conditions List
Prospective medical cannabis patients should understand that the state maintains a qualifying conditions list. This is a list of diseases, conditions, etc. for which medical cannabis can be recommended. Here is another way to phrase it: medical cannabis isn’t available for anything and everything.
It’s also worth noting that medical cannabis cards are not permanently valid. Patients need to renew annually. Doing so requires a new evaluation by a medical provider, though renewal evaluations do not necessarily have to be conducted in person. A remote, video visit may be appropriate for some patients.
Original estimates suggested 6-10K medical cannabis card applications in the first year and no more than 15K by the end of the second year. There are now more than 100K medical cannabis card holders in Utah. So much for original projections. Medical cannabis continues to thrive in a state that many thought would never go legal.