Now that we are quite a few years into Utah’s medical cannabis program, it is safe to say that most of those involved have found their groove. We have a pretty solid system that is fairly easy to understand. Yet there are always new patients coming on board. With that in mind, we think it is important to offer a few reminders from time to time.
Below are five key things every Utah medical cannabis patient should know. Whether you have just gotten your medical cannabis card, or you have been an active cardholder from day one, it’s important to always know and understand program details. Remember that things change.
1. Different Kinds of Medical Cannabis Cards
First and foremost, a patient must have a valid medical cannabis card in order to purchase from Beehive Farmacy or one of our competitors. There are five types of cards available in the state, with the most common being the Patient card. A Patient card is issued to an adult patient planning to obtain medical cannabis for themself.
The other four types of cards are:
- Caregiver card
- Guardian card
- Provisional patient card
- Non-Utah resident card
For more information on each of the cards and who they are intended for, check out the state website at medicalcannabis.utah.gov. You will find all the information there.
2. You Can Only Purchase at Pharmacies
Next, state law dictates that patients can only purchase medical cannabis at a state-licensed pharmacy. Beehive Farmacy owns two of the 15 licenses issued in the state. We have locations in both Brigham City and Salt Lake City. Note that purchasing medical cannabis from any supplier other than a licensed pharmacy is not allowed.
3. There Are Purchase and Possession Limits
A medical cannabis card is not a license to purchase large quantities of cannabis. In fact, there are possession limits in the Beehive State. Patients may not purchase or possess more than is necessary for 30 days of treatment and may not exceed 113g of unprocessed cannabis flower and 20g of total composite THC.
4. Medical Cannabis Cards Must Be Renewed
With the exception of non-Utah resident cards, all medical cannabis cards in the state need to be renewed periodically. The default renewal period is one year. However, a medical provider can recommend a shorter renewal period if deemed necessary.
To renew, patients log on to their EVS accounts and complete their portions of the renewal applications. They must then consult with a medical provider who completes their part. The patient then submits the application fee and that is that.
As for the non-Utah resident card, it is good for just 21 days and cannot be renewed. However, an out-of-state visitor can apply for up to two cards annually.
5. Delivery Methods Are Limited
State law limits the way patients can use medical cannabis. What we refer to as ‘delivery methods‘ in the industry are limited. For example, state law does not allow smoking medical cannabis plant material. Any raw plant material purchased by patients must be used either in a dry heating vaporizer or in recipes at home.
To learn more about the allowed delivery methods, visit the state website or ask one of our team members on your next visit to Beehive Farmacy. We are here to help you in whatever way we can.
Utah’s medical cannabis program continues to evolve and expand. And as it does, changes are inevitable. Be sure to check back here and stay abreast of our blog. We do our best to keep readers informed whenever changes are made.
