We’re approaching the two-month mark since Utah’s new medical Cannabis program became real. Despite a shaky start, and a great deal of general uncertainty surrounding the need for its existence, the Program has since budded into an essential service overnight.
Utah’s medical Cannabis pharmacies will remain open for the duration of COVID-19. And, according to
the Health Department, pharmacies are considered essential because they supply a plant-based
medication patients rely upon.
As of April 16, 2020, there are now 2,261 registered medical Cannabis cardholders, and 266 Qualified
Medical Practitioners (QMPs) in Utah. Although this is a dramatic increase since enrollment began on
March 1, these numbers do not include patients with existing Affirmative Defense Letters from QMPs
who are still left waiting for State approval.
Although many resident card seekers complained about the State’s confusing new website and
application process during the first weeks of enrollment, enrollments continue to rise, making it appear
as if applicants are now successfully navigating the system.
Now, that patient participation is growing, it could still be some time until the medical cannabis program
is completely off the ground. However, only Dragonfly Wellness, and Perfect Earth Modern Apothecary
currently have doors open to patients. In turn, this makes it difficult for pharmacies to keep up with
demand.
Narith Panh, Chief Strategy Officer at Dragonfly Wellness says, his pharmacy was only able to provide
services for 17 patients on their first day of operation. And only two additional patients on the next day
due to slow approvals from the State.
“People are coming to Dragonfly saying, the slow service is ridiculous, and they’re upset they have to
wait,” said Panh. “It doesn’t matter if we had ten more cash registers, we’re only allowed to have 10
people in the building at a time, and there’s still no way we can serve everyone coming in as quickly as
they’d like.” They’re now seeing over 100 patients a day.
With an abundance of registration traffic created by the 420-holiday last week, many new patients are
finding the State’s online enrollment process difficult to navigate, which prevents people from
purchasing products when they need them.
“That’s the biggest challenge, how do we manage patient expectations in Utah?” said Panh. “I get it,
Utah residents have been waiting years and years for this, but it’s going to be a slow rollout.”
If you have not yet registered with the State, but you have a letter of recommendation, patients are still
required to upload documents to pharmacy websites, and then standby for approval before visiting a
pharmacy. This process can take up to 72 business hours, and further delays are expected due to the
Coronavirus.
“We’re starting to get patients who registered their letters at Dragonfly Wellness visit Perfect Earth, and
it breaks my heart when we need to turn them away,” said Pharmacy Agent Mario Enriquez from Perfect
Earth. “State law dictates that patients can only visit the pharmacy they registered their letter with until
they’ve followed through with their State registration and receive a card.”
Medical Cannabis cardholders are still required to set an appointment with a pharmacist for their first
visit. If patients show up without an appointment on the first visit, they may be seen by the next
available pharmacist, or be placed on a waitlist.
Walks-ins are being turned away because of extremely long waiting lines, so it is highly encouraged that
patients book their appointments ahead of time.
“Dragonfly Wellness took a big hit by jumping in first and dealing with the growing pains,” said Panh.
“We’re the ones that chose to do that, but at the same time, how do we communicate this to other
people, so they know what to expect?”
Dragonfly Wellness has a license to produce medical Cannabis in Utah, but they have only been able to
harvest once since the State sanctioned legal growing in 2019. As a result, this limits the amount of
product on the shelves.
“We need more growers to come online to maintain a consistent product,” said Panh. “People don’t
seem to understand why we keep running out, and it would be helpful if they realized the time-frames
we are working with. Nonetheless, I think most people are pretty understanding of what’s going on.”
Robert Allen, California native and veteran grower with over 20 years of experience, is at the helm of
Dragonfly’s grow operation. A winner of the esteemed Cannabis Cup, Allen is now responsible for
bringing potent new strains such as Sundae Driver, Lava Cake, Garanimals, and Flo White to our State.
Growing medical Cannabis wasn’t allowed in Utah until late last year, and Allen has thus far been limited
in the amounts he can grow. Utah limits grow farms to 100,000 square-feet per facility. Because of this,
Dragonfly has relied on Utah’s community of growers to help supply new patients coming through their
doors during the month of April’s 4-20 celebrations.
“We bought everything Tryke [a local grower] had in order to keep up with demand,” said Panh. “Even
with help from other growers, it still isn’t enough to supply the State, and we’re only six weeks in. It’s
just a timing thing, which will be more consistent in the future.”
The variety of products at local dispensaries is still limited. Flower and edibles are usually sold-out within
a few days of arrival. Meanwhile, many Utah patients are just learning about available tinctures, salves,
and other high CBD, and low-THC products.
“By summertime, you’re going to see more consistency in product and inventory.” said Panh. “We’ve
been talking to a couple different vendors and they’re going to have live resin, shatter, and waxes. It’s
coming, but with live resin you need a fresh harvest and we’re waiting on Robert’s next grow.”
If you’re a patient still in need of your card or letter, visit: medicalcannabis.utah.gov/patients.
