Utah’s cannabis industry is navigating a maze of restrictive regulations that distinguish it from most other legal states. While the nation advances toward greater freedom in patient access, cannabis advertising, and business operations, Utah remains entrenched in a uniquely challenging environment. Businesses here are shackled by stringent rules that stifle their ability to engage effectively with the public. As a result, not only are patients left in the dark about their legal treatment options, but many Utahns remain unaware that medical cannabis is even legal—four years after its legalization. These hurdles suppress visibility and stymie the growth of an industry poised to significantly improve lives.
These aren’t just challenges—they’re intentional barriers designed to keep Utah’s medical cannabis industry out of sight. How can patients make informed decisions when they don’t even know their options? That’s why we launched Utah’s first patient-owned, independent cannabis publication in 2019—to break through the noise and provide clarity. This fall, we introduced the Utah Medical Cannabis Family Tree to guide patients through the maze of state regulations. While we’d love to show you the company logos to make things easier, we’ve been told it would lead to fines for those businesses under Utah’s restrictive “target marketing” rules.
When Utah’s medical cannabis program launched in 2020, it rested on three pillars: cultivation, processing, and pharmacies—the core components driving the state’s cannabis system. Yet, even with legalization, licensed cannabis companies were barred from targeted marketing, leaving a vast void that most media outlets—even local ones—chose to avoid. But where others saw dead ends, I saw opportunity. That’s how Salt Baked City came to life.
People have often told me—and still do—that “print is dead” and that launching a cannabis magazine in such a conservative, tightly regulated state was a gamble, if not outright foolish. Friends, family, and strangers alike questioned the logic behind Salt Baked City. But for me, it was never just a business move—it was something far deeper. I felt a responsibility to educate Utahns, even those who don’t consume cannabis, about the truth behind this plant and the legal landscape around it. No one else was stepping up to tell that story. It wasn’t a choice; it was a calling—something I’d unknowingly been preparing for my entire life. So, I pushed forward, driven by the conviction that this community needed a voice, even when the odds seemed stacked against us.
Initially, the state’s strict advertising ban felt like an insurmountable barrier. Licensed cannabis companies couldn’t promote their products or locations, severely limiting their visibility. But local businesses operating under white-label brands—products made by licensed processors that weren’t subject to the same restrictions—became an unexpected lifeline. These brands thrived in a legal gray area, and their support was crucial to keeping Salt Baked City afloat in its early days. Alongside them, local businesses outside the cannabis space also stepped in to support the magazine. We hope you’ll continue to support these community-minded companies, whose ads you’ll find in our pages, just as they’ve championed legal cannabis in Utah.
However, those early days of opportunity didn’t last. In 2022, lawmakers tightened the rules, closing the loophole for white-label brands. Almost overnight, we lost half of our advertisers. In exchange, the state offered pharmacies a minor concession: they could now advertise their locations—under highly restrictive conditions. Only logos, addresses, and hours of operation were allowed—no product details, no storytelling, no promotions. It was a token gesture, so limited that most companies didn’t bother, let alone invest in it.
Earlier this year, a legislative change brought a flicker of hope—processors were finally allowed to engage in targeted marketing. But that optimism quickly disappeared once the fine print was revealed. The new rules only permit ads in spaces already accessible to medical cannabis patients, a far cry from the breakthrough the industry had hoped for. Meanwhile, pharmacies, which can already advertise, gained a further advantage by being allowed to promote specific product brands inside their locations. What initially looked like progress instead tipped the scales even more, leaving the playing field even more uneven.
What’s most frustrating is that these constant regulatory changes don’t just harm businesses—they hurt consumers too. Out-of-state cannabis companies, operating under more lenient advertising rules in their home states, can freely promote their products within Utah. Meanwhile, local companies are suffocating under Utah’s strict regulations, giving out-of-state businesses a huge advantage and pushing consumers toward other markets, often illegal ones.
Utah’s cannabis laws continue to evolve, leaving businesses and consumers scrambling to keep up. But one thing remains clear: Utah’s cannabis community deserves better. It’s time for the state to allow local businesses to operate like any other legal industry—free to advertise, educate, and grow. At Salt Baked City, we’re committed to advocating for a fairer, more informed future for Utah’s cannabis community.
The resilience of Utah’s cannabis industry runs deep, but resilience alone isn’t enough. It’s time for this market to not just survive, but thrive—and become a visible, vital part of the community it serves. For too long, patients have been left in the dark, unaware of the treatment options available to them. By supporting local cannabis businesses and fostering open conversations, we can ensure that medical cannabis is not only accessible but also understood. Together, we can illuminate the path forward and help shape an industry that truly benefits the people of Utah.
