Did you know medical schools don’t teach us about marijuana as medicine? In fact, cannabis is presented as a risky, recreational drug that is to be avoided. I was taught to believe this from birth and through my medical training at the University of Utah. Over time, and with three people very close to me who needed cannabis for medical reasons, I came to embrace the plant as a useful tool. I have since become a self-taught marijuana expert through my own research and study of the broad evidence regarding Medical Cannabis treatment.

I’m Tim Pickett, founder and CEO of Utah Therapeutic Health Center & KindlyMD™. Born and raised in Utah, I understand the local religious landscape and can speak to the barriers to marijuana use in our unique culture. I also saw firsthand the cost of the opioid epidemic in our community while working in GI surgery, trauma, and emergency medicine. Now, I’m an avid advocate of cannabis use to help people gain control of their health and safely treat symptoms while reducing the use of other harmful, ineffective prescription drugs.

As an active member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians and United Patients Group, I aggressively educate myself through all available resources to be the best-licensed marijuana provider in the area. Through thorough, meticulous training, I’ve passed this knowledge along and strongly believe my team at Utah Therapeutic Health Center is the most highly educated group of marijuana clinicians anywhere in Utah.

In my constant effort to destigmatize cannabis and provide education, I also host the podcast Utah in the Weeds. Each episode features candid conversations with patients, providers, & professionals in the Utah cannabis space. Additionally, I host an educational video series on YouTube alongside Zion Medicinal CEO & Chief Science Officer, Blake Smith, entitled Discover Marijuana. Episodes of Discover Marijuana are released weekly, designed to help patients in the U.S. get the most out of cannabis medicine. For me, it’s all about getting the education out there for those who need it.

I am very excited and honored to be a part of the emerging Medical Cannabis landscape in Utah, and I applaud the state for taking steps to allow patients access to an alternative to harsh medications. Cannabis offers less risk and more relief for many conditions, and we know more about marijuana safety today than we ever have. We will only know more tomorrow. There is truly no time like the present to take your health into your own hands and feel better.

To your health,
Tim Pickett, PA-C