Medical cannabis was approved in Utah by way of a 2018 voter proposition. Our program officially launched in 2020. Since then, more than 100,000 patients have obtained medical cannabis cards. But how did they do it? More importantly, how do you do it under the current regulations?
Getting a Utah medical cannabis card is not difficult in principle. The process is pretty straightforward. But it does require some effort and perhaps a little time. The process begins with establishing an account with the state’s Electronic Verification System (EVS).
1. Log On and Get Set Up
All patients must be registered in the EVS in order to apply for or renew a medical cannabis card. You will need a Utah ID in order to register. So if you don’t yet have a UtahID account, visit that website and set one up. After that, you can log in to the EVS using the same credentials.
Once you are in, simply follow the instructions to apply for a card. You will have to enter the appropriate information on the supplied online forms. Don’t worry, it takes only a couple of minutes. After that, you are ready to move on to the next step.
2. Make an Appointment With a Medical Provider
Before you can complete your application and submit your fee, you’ll have to visit an approved medical provider. Utah medical providers are doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and orthopedists already licensed and with prescribing authority.
There are two types of medical providers recognized by our medical cannabis program:
- Qualified Medical Provider – Also known as a QMP, the qualified medical provider has met continuing education requirements and been licensed by the state. They can recommend medical cannabis to a patient load equal to 1.5% of the total number of cardholders in the state.
- Limited Medical Provider – Also known as an LMP, the limited medical provider has not completed continuing education requirements or applied for a license. They can recommend medical cannabis to only fifteen patients at a time.
You are probably better off using a QMP if one is available. Otherwise, a willing GP, family doctor, etc. can act as your medical provider.
3. Visit With Your Provider
When the day of your appointment comes, you will visit your medical provider in person for a comprehensive medical assessment. The provider’s responsibility is to be sure that you are living with a qualifying condition. The provider will also have to attest that medical cannabis is an appropriate way to treat your condition.
Your provider will enter the necessary information into the EVS. Once entered, you are free to complete the process via the fourth and final step.
4. Submit Your Application and Fee
The last step is to go back to the EVS where you will complete your application and submit it with the required fee. At the current time, both initial cards and renewals cost $8. A card is good for one year.
Submitted applications are reviewed by the state in a timely manner. Once approved, you will receive your medical cannabis card digitally. You can either print it on paper or carry it with you on your mobile device. Either way, you will need it whenever you visit a medical cannabis pharmacy to purchase your medicines.
Getting a Utah medical cannabis card is not especially difficult. We can help here at BeehiveMed. Contact us to learn more about what we do and how we assist patients hoping to get their cards. A medical cannabis card could be your door to finally feeling better.
