Utah’s medical cannabis patients and enthusiasts, brace yourselves for a fresh batch of updates straight from the DHHS Center for Medical Cannabis! With all the regulatory changes and evolving policies, the journey through the state’s medical cannabis program feels like a rollercoaster ride. Let’s take a closer look at the latest news and how it affects you and your favorite plant.
Quarterly Newsletter Update and Other Resources
First things first, mark your calendars! The monthly update newsletters you’re used to reading are evolving into quarterly updates, starting in October 2023. But worry not, the Center for Medical Cannabis has got your back – and so do we. Important news that can’t wait will be sent separately through emails and broken down by your favorite Utah cannabis magazine. So, keep an eye on your inbox and make sure you visit our website. Missing out on public meetings? Not on our watch!
The website itself is a treasure trove of information. You can access monthly data reports to stay informed about the program’s performance. For those eager to learn more, a wealth of medical cannabis education materials awaits in the resource library section. Find it all on the Center’s website.
Medical Cannabis Card Renewal Periods: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Utah’s lawmakers have been at it again, tweaking the medical cannabis laws during the 2023 legislative session. One significant change affects the renewal period for medical cannabis cards, which is now set at one year. But wait, there’s more! Medical providers can customize the renewal period to 3 or 6 months if necessary, making it a bit like ordering from a menu.
Licensed Medical Practitioners (LMPs) can indicate a shorter renewal period on the LMP medical cannabis recommendation form available on the Center’s website. Similarly, Qualified Medical Practitioners (QMPs) can opt for a shorter period by selecting the appropriate option in the EVS (Electronic Verification System) when submitting the medical cannabis certification.
UDAF Takes Charge of Medical Cannabis Pharmacies
Utah cannabis enthusiasts, keep calm and carry on! Despite the passing of HB72 during the 2023 Legislative Session, the transition of regulatory authority over medical cannabis pharmacies to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) on July 8, 2023, won’t affect patients or medical providers. You’ll continue using the EVS to manage medical cannabis recommendations, no hiccups there.
For medical cannabis pharmacy agents, it’s a different story. UDAF is now responsible for compliance visits and overseeing agent registrations. So, if you have any concerns, drop them an email at cannabis@utah.gov.
Board Meetings and Advisory Groups
Calling all policy enthusiasts! The newly formed Cannabis Research Review Board (CRRB) meets regularly to review cannabis research and advise the Utah Legislature and DHHS Center for Medical Cannabis on medical cannabis use, products, and dosages. Want to know more? Check out their meeting dates, virtual links, and past discussions on the Utah Public Meeting Notice website.
And that’s not all! The Medical Cannabis Policy Advisory Board is also getting in on the action. The first meeting was on Tuesday, July 18, at 2 p.m. MST, where they discussed product labeling rules, bylaws, and voting for a board chair and vice-chair. Keep an eye on future meetings by subscribing to their updates on the same Utah Public Meeting Notice website.
The Governance Working Group
Remember the saying, “The more, the merrier”? Well, Utah’s medical cannabis program agrees! The 2023 Medical Cannabis Governance Structure Working Group is open to the public, so everyone’s invited. Attend in-person or virtually and receive notifications about their meetings by subscribing on the Utah Legislature’s website.
UDAF Cannabis Production Establishment Licensing Advisory Board
Pharmacies aren’t the only ones having a shake-up. The UDAF Cannabis Production Establishment Licensing Advisory Board is on the case. Want to stay informed about their meetings and decisions? Head to the Utah Public Meeting Notice website for all the details.
Understanding the Utah Medical Cannabis Limits
Medical cannabis enthusiasts, listen up! There’s a limit to how much cannabis you can purchase each month. The law says 113 grams (g) of unprocessed flower or 20 g of THC in other cannabis types like gummies or vape cartridges. That’s why we call it the ‘Quarter-pound” club. But don’t fret! If your medical provider writes dosing guidelines below the maximum limit, your purchase amount is limited to what they wrote. So pay attention during your visit, or you might be joining the dreaded “10 gram” club.
And hey, you can spread out your purchases throughout the month and buy from different pharmacies. No need to rush or be stuck at one pot-shop!
Conclusion
Utah’s medical cannabis program is on the move, constantly evolving to meet the needs of its patients. While navigating the maze of regulations may sometimes feel like a comedy of errors, rest assured that the DHHS Center for Medical Cannabis is working hard to streamline the process. Embrace the changes, stay informed, and let’s roll with the green tide as Utah continues its journey with medical cannabis. Happy toking!
