Summer has finally arrived. We all know what that means: road trips to visit family, friends, and our favorite tourist destinations. But what about vacation travelers who use medical cannabis? What do they do if they leave their own states? Here in Utah, there is a way for out-of-state visitors to legally use medical cannabis.
You might need to know this information if you are planning to host out-of-town visitors this summer. Maybe it’s a family member or some friends from college. Whatever the case may be, medical cannabis is legally accessible under the right circumstances. What you cannot do is give visitors your own cannabis. It doesn’t work that way.
The Medical Cannabis Card
State law requires anyone wishing to use medical cannabis in Utah to have a state-issued medical cannabis card. The state issues different kinds of cards, with the one at the top of the list being designated the Patient Card. This card is for legal adult residents of Utah diagnosed with a qualifying condition.
Utah also offers a Visitor Card for legal adults. It is issued to adults 21 years-old or older, as long as the following two conditions are met:
- A patient must be diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions on Utah’s list; and
- Must already possess a valid medical cannabis card from their own state of residence.
If a visitor’s state allows medical cannabis treatment for a condition not on Utah’s list, that condition does not qualify for a Utah Visitor Card. Unfortunately, that particular visitor would be out of luck.
Other Restrictions to Note
Utah’s medical cannabis program has a number of restrictions built in. In terms of the Visitor Card, there are several notable restrictions to pay attention to:
- Time Limit – A Utah Visitor Card is only good for 21 days. That is ample time for most visitors. However, anyone planning to visit for more than 21 days will have to make other arrangements.
- Application Limits – Utah also puts limits on the number of Visitor Cards a patient can apply for. The limit is two cards per calendar year. That means a maximum of 42 days.
- Cannabis Consumption – The Visitor Card does not give the holder the right to transfer unused cannabis to someone else. All cannabis purchased by a card holder must either be used within the time limit or destroyed.
- Cannabis Transport – A Visitor Card also does not allow the card holder to transport cannabis across state lines. A visitor cannot legally bring their cannabis into Utah from elsewhere nor take cannabis purchased here out of the state.
As helpful as the Visitor Card is, it needs to be utilized with care. Successfully obtaining a card is not a license to do whatever one wants. Visitors still need to abide by Utah laws.
Applying for a Card
In terms of application, out-of-state visitors would follow a similar process as in-state patients. A visitor would go to the state’s Electronic Verification System (EVS) website, create an account, and apply for the card. Supporting documentation will be required. There is also a nominal registration fee that must be paid at the time of application.
Visitor applications are reviewed by the state prior to a card being issued. When cards are issued, they are issued electronically. A visitor can print a paper copy or carry the electronic version on a mobile device.
If you are hosting visitors who use medical cannabis in their home states, be sure both you and they know what the law says here in Utah. There is no need to tempt fate, right?
