Utah Marijuana Laws
Marijuana laws are rapidly changing in various states around the US, but what about Utah marijuana laws? Is marijuana legal in Utah? And how have cannabis laws in Utah changed over the years? This guide will cover all you need to know about Utah marijuana laws.
Is Marijuana Legal in Utah?
Marijuana laws in Utah currently state that the recreational use of marijuana is illegal, and possessing small amounts of this drug can be classified as a misdemeanor. However, Utah medical cannabis laws have allowed for the medical usage of marijuana since 2018 for qualifying patients under the Utah Medical Cannabis Act.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal?
Yes, Utah medical marijuana laws allow for patients with qualifying conditions to purchase and use medical marijuana from official, qualified medical cannabis pharmacies. This has been the case since 2018 when the Utah Legislature passed the Utah Medical Cannabis Act.
If you’re considering using medical marijuana to manage your health condition, it’s important to consult with a medical marijuana doctor. Our doctors can help you navigate the legal landscape, obtain the necessary documentation and certifications, and provide you with guidance on the best strains and dosages for your condition.
Is Recreational Marijuana Legal?
Even though Utah currently allows those with conditions like a terminal illness or debilitating seizures to use medical marijuana with approval from the Utah Medical Cannabis Act, recreational usage of this drug is still entirely outlawed. Possession, sale, and cultivation of recreational marijuana can all be punished by the law in the state of Utah.
The History of Marijuana Laws in Utah
So, how have cannabis laws in Utah changed over the years? Well, Utah is often discussed as the first, or at least one of the first states in the entire country to ban cannabis. It prohibited it for the first time way back in 1915, and it is believed that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or the Mormon Church) had an influence on this decision.
Cannabis in all forms remained outlawed in Utah for almost an entire century, but in 2014, a new bill was signed by the state governor which allowed for the possession and usage of CBD oil for medical use. Then, in 2015, efforts for more thorough medical cannabis legalization began. Senate Bill 259 was introduced to allow patients with chronic conditions to use medical cannabis, but it was narrowly defeated in a Senate vote.
In 2016, the push for medical cannabis in Utah continued. Senator Mark B. Madsen leading the charge. He introduces Senate Bill 73 to allow for medicinal cannabis use in patients with HIV, AIDS, and other conditions. The bill passed the Senate but failed to pass the House Health and Human Services Committee. However, late that year, Senator Brian Shiozawa passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 to allow for cannabis to be reclassified as Schedule II.
Finally, in 2018, HB195 was passed to allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana and the Utah Medical Cannabis Act was passed later that year, with dispensaries opening up by 2021.
Utah Marijuana Laws
Next, let’s take a look at some of Utah’s various marijuana laws and how people may be punished for things like possession and cultivation of cannabis in this state.
Possession & Purchase
Possession and purchase of marijuana in Utah are allowed for holders of a Utah medical marijuana card and approval from their physician. People without a card are not allowed to buy or use marijuana, and possessing certain amounts can be punished with large fines and several years of imprisonment.
How Much Can I Buy and Possess?
According to Utah’s medical marijuana laws, qualifying patients are only able to buy and possess an amount that is sufficient for up to 30 days of treatment, relevant to the appropriate dosage guidelines for their condition. This should equate to no more than 113 grams of unprocessed cannabis flower at a time.
Where Can I Obtain Cannabis?
It’s only possible to buy cannabis in Utah from approved dispensaries.
Who Can Legally Purchase Cannabis in Utah?
Only holders of a medical marijuana card may legally buy and use cannabis in Utah.
Home Cultivation
Home cultivation is illegal in Utah.
Reciprocity
It is possible to use medical cannabis cards from other states to possess cannabis in Utah while visiting or when living in the state for 45 days or less.
Consumption
According to Utah marijuana laws, it’s possible to use marijuana in this state, only if you have one of the listed qualifying conditions, as outlined by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
Where Can I Safely Consume Cannabis?
Cannabis products may only be consumed in private places in the state of Utah, or in healthcare locations that allow for the usage of these products.
Qualifying Patients
Medical marijuana in Utah is only available for people with specific medical conditions, including the following:
- HIV or AIDS
- Alzheimer’s
- Cancer
- Persistent nausea
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy
- MS
- PTSD
- Autism
- Cachexia
- Lateral sclerosis
- Terminal illnesses
- Rare conditions
- Chronic pain
Transportation
Holders of medical marijuana cards may transport appropriate amounts (no more than 113g of flower) from place to place.
Driving
It is illegal to drive any vehicle while under the influence of cannabis products.
Expungement
It may be possible to expunge prior convictions of possession of marijuana in Utah, but this will vary from case to case.
How to Obtain a Medical Card?
Obtaining a Utah medical marijuana card involves getting approval from your physician and filling in some forms.
Summary
As we can see, the situation with marijuana in Utah was quite strict and controlled for many years, but things have changed in recent times, and medical marijuana is now much more accessible all over the state. There’s a chance that recreational marijuana could also be legalized here in the future, but that will depend on proposed legislation and official votes.
