A recent online op-ed discussing Utah’s growing problem with illicit cannabis cited renewal difficulties as one of the reasons patients give up on legal medical cannabis and opt to source their medicines elsewhere. Renewal seems to be pretty simple. But if it is tripping you up, we want to help.
Renewing your Utah medical card is the best way to continue accessing high-quality medical cannabis products legally. Furthermore, purchasing from a legal seller like Beehive Farmacy guarantees that your medicines are properly labeled, meet state standards for safety and quality, and work as you would expect them to.
Similar to Applying for Your First Card
Card renewal is like applying for your first card. In Utah, we use a completely digital program rooted in the state’s electronic verification system (EVS). In fact, the EVS was built specifically to help manage the medical cannabis system.
When you applied for your first card, you signed on to the EVS and began the application process. Then you visited a medical provider as required by law. Your medical provider completed their part of the EVS application, followed by you finishing up and submitting the application fee.
Renewal is nearly identical. The only actual difference is that you might not have to visit your medical provider in-person. State law allows for telemedicine visits at renewal time. So if your medical provider agrees, that is an option.
Pop-up Clinics Are Gone
In fairness, there was one pretty substantial change in 2025 that could throw a monkey wrench into your renewal plans. That change was the elimination of pop-up clinics.
In the past, medical cannabis pharmacies could team up with medical providers to establish pop-up clinics on a temporary basis. The clinics would give local access to patients looking to apply for the first time or renew existing cards. Eliminating pop-up clinics forces patients to go directly to their medical providers, either in-person or via telemedicine, for renewal.
The State Will Notify You
Also be aware that the state will notify you about renewal. If you have never renewed before, expect an email approximately 30 days before your card expires. As long as you complete your application and submit the fee within this 30-day window, you should be good to go.
Do not panic if you renew right away but don’t see the new card assigned to your account. The new card will not show up until the day after your current card expires. You will still have continuous coverage as long as you get your application in on time.
If Your Provider Is No Longer Available
We are guessing you would rather see the same medical provider when it is time to renew your card. But what if that provider is no longer available? You still need a provider’s certification for renewal, so you will have to find a new provider.
Fortunately, state lawmakers got rid of the qualified medical provider (QMP) and limited medical provider (LMP) programs with the 2025 legislative update. Their replacement is the Recommending Medical Provider (RMP) program. This new program should encourage more medical providers to take part. That should mean more choices for patients.
If you need help to find a provider, the state publishes a complete list on its medical cannabis website. Check it out for provider names, addresses, operating hours, and fees.
We hope you are now more comfortable with the idea of renewing your Utah medical cannabis card. Renewal is really no more difficult than getting your initial card. When the time comes, renew. Do not let your card expire while you turn to the illicit market.
