In Utah’s ever-evolving medical cannabis landscape, a momentous development is unfolding, sparking profound discussions and concerns among stakeholders and patients. The focal point of this transformation is Cannabist, a prominent medical cannabis dispensary nestled in Springville, which is currently undergoing acquisition by Standard Wellness, a reputable company hailing from Ohio. This strategic move is set to elevate Standard Wellness to a vertically integrated status within Utah’s burgeoning medical cannabis industry, with the acquisition of the Utah County pharmacy. Notably, up until 2020, Standard Wellness had exclusively operated as a licensed cultivator and medical cannabis processor in the state.
The owner of Standard Wellness Utah, Scott Erickson, envisions relocating the Springville pharmacy to Murray. The reason behind this proposed move is the assertion that Salt Lake City’s medical cannabis patients are underserved. However, as we delve into the situation, we find that the reality may be more complex than it initially appears.
During the recent meeting, a valid question arose when a concerned patient inquired, “Why don’t we simply issue more pharmacy licenses?” While this solution might seem straightforward and practical, it appears that the Department of Agriculture isn’t inclined to pursue this direction just yet.
In the heart of Utah’s most populous city, Salt Lake City, there are currently three operational medical cannabis pharmacies: BLOC in South Salt Lake, Beehive in West Salt Lake, and Dragonfly Wellness in Downtown.Despite their prime locations, these dispensaries are currently wrestling with a distinctive set of challenges. Owners of these well-established pharmacies have candidly voiced their concerns about sustaining their operations, particularly as patient numbers have plateaued. This striking contrast between the perceived need for more pharmacies in Salt Lake City and the formidable hurdles confronting the existing establishments has ignited a fervent debate within Utah’s medical cannabis community.
Today, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) held a meeting to discuss the issue at hand. The meeting revealed that this matter has transformed into a regional divide, pitting Utah County against Salt Lake County. Those opposing the move typically have business operations in Salt Lake County, while those in favor operate within Utah County. What was initially intended as a program to serve the medical needs of Utah residents now appears to be caught in a power struggle driven by profits and bottom lines.
A crucial point of contention raised during the meeting was the perceived lack of medical cannabis accessibility that could result from the pharmacy’s move to Murray from Springville. Patients voiced their concerns, emphasizing that this shift could make medical cannabis less accessible throughout the state. One patient, Renato Wardle, expressed his frustration, stating, “You’re making business decisions here; not helping patients.”
During the meeting, the Department of Agriculture provided insights into their limited experience, stating that they have been overseeing the state’s medical cannabis program for a mere four months. This relatively brief tenure suggests a possible dissatisfaction with the state of affairs they inherited from the Department of Health. It underscores the intricacies and persistent challenges that continue to confront Utah’s evolving medical cannabis program.
The inevitable purchase of Cannabist by Standard Wellness and the proposed relocation of the pharmacy to Murray have raised significant concerns and discussions among Utah’s medical cannabis stakeholders and patients. This situation underscores the delicate balance between serving patients’ medical needs and ensuring the sustainability and profitability of the medical cannabis industry. As Utah’s medical cannabis program continues to evolve, it will be crucial for all parties involved to work together to find solutions that prioritize the well-being of patients while supporting a thriving medical cannabis ecosystem.
