In Utah, the process of integrating cannabis into medical care involves collaboration between medical providers and pharmacists to determine if cannabis is a suitable treatment option for patients. This article is part of a series examining the production and regulation of cannabis medicine in the state.
As of April, Utah has issued 100,144 active medical cannabis cards, reflecting a 16% increase from the previous year. This growth suggests that more patients are finding relief through cannabis as the state’s medical program evolves. Legislative changes have reduced application fees and modified participation requirements for medical providers, aiming to increase patient access to cannabis treatments.
Cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I drug by the federal government, indicating a high potential for abuse with no accepted medical use. This classification has historically limited research and distribution. Brandon Forsyth, director of the Medical Cannabis program at the Utah Department of Agriculture & Food, believes this classification is overly restrictive and emphasizes the need for more scientific inquiry into cannabis.
Medical providers in Utah must complete a minimum of four hours of training on cannabis before they can prescribe it. However, recent legislation will soon require all providers to participate in this education, regardless of how many patients they treat. Patients seeking cannabis must first consult with a qualified medical provider (QMP), soon to be referred to as recommending medical providers (RMPs). If deemed appropriate after considering other treatment options, the provider will assist the patient in applying for a medical cannabis card, which costs $15 but will drop to $8 in July.
Once patients receive their medical cards, they must consult with a cannabis pharmacist, who holds a doctorate in pharmacy and completes additional cannabis-related education. At cannabis pharmacies like Curaleaf in Park City, pharmacists conduct consultations to recommend appropriate products and dosages based on patients’ medical conditions and histories with cannabis.
Pharmacists like Allen Doong guide patients through various forms of cannabis and educate them on the effects of cannabinoids and terpenes. These consultations often involve trial and error to identify effective combinations that suit individual needs. Curaleaf’s product offerings include a diverse range of options, from gummies to vape pens, catering to a wide array of patient preferences and requirements.
Utah has established a unique pharmacy model for cannabis medicine, distinct from traditional pharmacies. Patients must undergo a security process to enter cannabis pharmacies, which feature display cases filled with pre-packaged products. The state currently has only 15 licensed cannabis pharmacies, limiting patient access but also fostering collaboration among brands to provide a wider selection of products.
Curaleaf’s top-selling product is a sleep gummy, commonly recommended for patients with PTSD. Sleep aids are recognized for their healing properties, even if not explicitly listed as qualifying conditions for cannabis use. Online ordering and delivery options further enhance accessibility for patients, particularly those who are bedridden or live in rural areas.
To ensure patient safety, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services has introduced a product information insert containing essential guidance on using cannabis safely, including side effects and contraindications with other medications.
Despite the progress in Utah’s medical cannabis program, challenges remain. Patients often struggle to find medical providers familiar with cannabis, as many of the nearly 1,000 registered providers are not their regular doctors. Advocacy groups like the Utah Patients Coalition work to address these barriers, pushing for greater provider participation in the program.
Recent legislative changes aim to simplify the process for medical providers, allowing those with controlled substances licenses to prescribe cannabis without further registration. Though these updates may improve access, skepticism remains about whether they will lead to greater adoption among hesitant providers.
As Utah continues to refine its medical cannabis program, the hope is that increased provider education and awareness will facilitate more open conversations between patients and their physicians, ultimately improving patient access to cannabis as a viable treatment option.
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