Here at Utahmarijuana.org, we are extremely excited that nearly every patient in the Beehive State has the option to have their cannabis medicine delivered. It has been a long time coming. Thanks to state legislators who have come to realize just how inconvenient driving to a pharmacy can be, modifications to the law have been made to accommodate delivery.
Home cannabis delivery is still fairly new in Utah, so keep that in mind as you read the rest of this post. The home delivery space is bound to gradually mature right alongside the rest of the Medical Marijuana industry.
Here are some important things to know about home delivery as it gets underway in Utah:
Although state law allows delivery throughout Utah, it is not available everywhere just yet. We know of only one company that offers statewide delivery right now. Still, they are just getting started. It may take some time to work out the bugs. Be patient. The goal of both legislators and delivery providers is to eventually assure every Utah resident can get their medicines delivered to their door.
Home delivery does not mitigate the need for a Medical Cannabis Card. As a patient, you will still need to obtain a valid card by filling out an online application and visiting with a QMP. You will also have to make at least one visit to a Medical Cannabis Pharmacy to register your card with them – at least for now. The personal visit requirement may change in the future.
Arranging for Medical Cannabis home delivery starts by placing an order online. Check with your preferred pharmacy to see if it offers home delivery. Again, all of this is fairly new. You might find that your pharmacy isn’t on board yet. If this is the case, there is a good chance delivery will be available at some point down the road.
When you do place an order, you’ll generally have to select a date and time for delivery. You might be able to get same-day delivery if things are slow and you live reasonably close to your pharmacy. But if you are in a rural area, you may have to wait up to a week. It is good to plan ahead of time and place your order in advance of when you will actually need your medicine.
This next thing is big: state law does not allow delivery drivers to deliver products anywhere other than the home address registered for the patient. So whatever address is on file with the state is the address your products must be delivered to. Moreover, it must be a residential address. Delivery drivers cannot deliver your medications to your place of work, a friend’s house, etc.
Along those same lines, you must be present to receive your delivery. You will also have to show your ID to verify you are the patient in question. Delivery drivers cannot leave Medical Cannabis packages on your porch or in your garage. Packages cannot be left with your neighbor. They can only be handed directly to you after you have shown your ID.
There is more to know about Medical Cannabis home delivery than we have space for in this post. If you are looking for delivery, check with your pharmacy. And if you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask. Home delivery is designed to make your life as a Medical Cannabis patient easier.
Getting a Medical Marijuana Card does not automatically make you an expert, right? There is so much to learn. For example, do you know the differences between resin and rosin products? Most people new to Medical Marijuana don’t. Even some patients with decades of experience using cannabis do not know the differences. If you are among them, this post is for you.
Resins and rosins are starting to catch on in Utah. They have been around for quite a while, so recreational states like California and Colorado already have a pretty robust resin and rosin market. Our market is likely to get stronger as more patients become familiar with the two concentrates.
So, what are the differences? For all intents and purposes, there are only two that concern patients:
Both resin and rosin are concentrated forms of cannabis-derived products. To understand what that means, let us go back to the basics of how processors create CBD and THC products. Both products start with raw plant material from which cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds are extracted.
Processors can extract the valuable compounds through a number of different processes. Regardless of the chosen process, they then have options as to what they do with what they get. Herein lies the difference between resin, rosins, and other types of cannabis products.
A Medical Marijuana resin is almost pure extract. All the cannabinoids (there are more than a hundred of them), terpenes, and trichomes remain intact. Extraction is achieved with some sort of solvent like ethanol or carbon dioxide.
A Medical Marijuana rosin is also a concentrated extract. None of the cannabinoids, terpenes, or trichomes are removed. Extraction method is what makes it different. When creating a rosin, processors don’t extract with a solvent. They generally use high heat and pressure instead.
As a side note, processors often take their cannabinoid concentrates and further separate components to make different types of products. For example, a processor might want to make a THC-rich vaping liquid. None of the other cannabinoids are desirable, so THC will be separated from the concentrate along with a few terpenes. Only those compounds will go into the vaping liquid.
The other significant difference between resins and rosins is relative potency. Resin creation is a bit more difficult and exacting. However, the result tends to be a more potent product. Solvent extraction allows processors to get the maximum amount of THC with every batch.
Rosin production is a bit easier and considerably less exacting. As a result, THC levels do not tend to be as high in rosin products. This is not to say that they are impotent, just that they aren’t as strong as resins.
Here in Utah, it is illegal to smoke Medical Marijuana. The best way to use a resin is to vaporize it in a vape pen. Some resins can also be taken orally, but always check with a PMP before doing so. Also be careful. Go slow when trying resins for the first time. Remember that they are concentrates. You are going to get a lot more kick from a resin as compared to non-concentrates.
As always, your QMP and PMP are your best friends in figuring out how to best utilize Medical Marijuana. Should you choose to look into resins and rosins, do your research. Ask a lot of questions. Get as many answers as you can from PMPs and patients who already have experience. The more you know about Medical Marijuana concentrates, the better off you will be in determining what is best for you.
We have come a long way with Medical Cannabis here in Utah. From the original voter proposition to where we are today in October 2021, we have seen impressive strides that have been a result of a lot of hard work and commitment from a lot of people. We are thrilled to be part of it. That said, Utah’s program continues to evolve. For instance, changes in state legislation now allow for a one-year renewal period for Medical Cannabis Cards.
One-year renewals were previously not allowed, but the state decided to issue a clarification in their October (2021) update because things were a little confusing. We are glad they did. The update makes it easier for us to explain it to patients. It also makes the rule easier for patients and QMPs to understand.
Simply put, QMPs are allowed to recommend a one-year renewal as long as certain conditions are met. We’ll get into those conditions in a minute. The confusing part, prior to the October update, was determining the date from which a patient would be eligible for the longer renewal.
We don’t want to confuse the issue here, so let’s go back to the beginning. In order for you to get a Medical Cannabis Card in Utah, you have to follow a simple 3-step process:
Then you just wait for the state to review your application and send your Card by email. Your first Card is valid for six months from the date it was issued. You go back to see your QMP to get it renewed. Your first renewal is only valid for six months. Then, it is back to the QMP for another evaluation.
You’ll need a second six-month renewal before you are eligible for a one-year renewal. Why can’t you just get a one-year Medical Cannabis Card on your first renewal? Because the rule stipulates that you have to be stable and effectively treated with Medical Cannabis for at least 365 days before you are eligible for a one-year Card.
So all this renewal stuff is about making sure that Medical Cannabis is working for you. It is about ensuring that you are getting the right medication to treat your condition. State lawmakers have decided that there’s no reason to force patients using Medical Cannabis on a long-term basis to be saddled with having to renew every six months. But they also want QMPs to be sure Medical Cannabis is the best way to treat before committing to such a long period of time.
With all that in mind, the QMP can recommend a one-year renewal provided a patient’s condition has been stabilized with Medical Cannabis for at least one year. Also, the QMP has to agree that Medical Cannabis is the most appropriate treatment.
This finally brings us back around to the October 2021 update. The 365-day measurement of patient stability goes back to the date a patient’s first card was issued. It is NOT the date of the patient’s first visit with the QMP or the date the QMP certified the patient’s eligibility.
Practically speaking, this essentially means you have to get two renewals before you will be able to get a one-year card on your third renewal. All your dates for renewal go back to the date your card was issued rather than the date you saw your QMP.
At Utah Therapeutic Health Center, we believe it’s critical to give our patients continuous access to educational resources about their cannabis medicine. We want you to be knowledgeable about all things related to Medical Marijuana (MMJ), even if you are a veteran patient. That’s why we want our patients to ask questions.
Whether you call it Medical Cannabis or MMJ, the medicine you take for your condition is supposed to improve your quality of life. It is supposed to make you feel better so that you can live your best life. But in order for that to happen, you have to know what you’re doing. And that means learning.
Questions are a great way to learn. The more you ask, the more information you get from people who are qualified to answer you. Of course, that means asking the right people. Your QMP and PMP are good folks to ask. So are the staff at your preferred Medical Cannabis Pharmacy. Even other patients with more experience can teach you things.
So what kinds of questions should you be asking? Anything and everything is on the table. There is no such thing as a stupid question. Just to give you an idea, here are some of the questions we field a lot:
A lot of people wonder why Medical Cannabis Pharmacies sell so many different products offering different delivery methods. There are vape cartridges and dry flower for inhaling. There are tinctures that you put under your tongue. There are edibles, waxes and resins, and even topical products (lotions, salves, balms, and creams) that are meant to be applied directly to the skin.
Different delivery methods exist because different qualifying conditions call for them. If your qualifying condition is PTSD for example, a topical lotion you rub on your arm isn’t going to do much good. That same lotion might be ideal for a person suffering from chronic pain in a particular joint.
This may be the most frequently asked question in the entire Medical Cannabis community. Truth be told, there is no black-and-white answer. Different delivery methods benefit patients in different ways. Some patients may find vaping works best for them, while for others, it’s tinctures. It is really up to the patient, QMP, and PMP to figure out the best treatment method for each case.
Layering is something else people ask us about a lot. Medical Cannabis layering is the practice of using multiple delivery methods simultaneously in order to maximize relief. It is something that takes some time to learn. But once you figure it out, layering can do wonders for helping you feel great.
As a Medical Cannabis user, you know that your Medical Cannabis Card is not valid forever. You have to go back and see your QMP every six months to a year (after the first 90 days). The reason is pretty simple: it’s a safety issue. Lawmakers don’t want patients continually using Medical Cannabis without ever being evaluated by a QMP. By requiring regular renewals, they guarantee medicines are being used safely and responsibly.
Another question we hear often is: “Why are cannabis medicines so expensive?” There are lots of reasons, beginning with the fact that Utah’s Medical Cannabis program is still so new. Our program is slowly maturing, and as we get closer to maturity, prices should come down. But that will take time.
We could post an endless number of questions and answers. Truth be told, there is a lot to learn about Medical Cannabis. So do not be afraid to ask questions. Even veteran patients can learn a thing or two.
The holidays are just around the corner — are you ready? Probably about this time, your shopping list is around a mile long, and growing. We want to help you with that. If you’ve got a plant-based buddy *wink, wink* that you’re looking to spoil this season, look no further! The UTTHC Holiday Gift Guide has loads of canna-friendly ideas for that special someone in your life. We’ve divided them into three categories — Smalls, Biggie, and Notorious — making it easy to find something for anyone on your list. Sneak a peek and make their year. And hey, while you’re here, why not treat yourself a little, too? Every item mentioned below is available for purchase at UTTHC locations across the state. Happy shopping!
Herb Grinder: Because can you really have too many grinders on hand? Snag one for you, a friend, and another one for you. We’ve got a variety of colors and the best part? They all fit comfortably in your/their new Smell-Proof Skunk Bag (but more on that later). ($39.99)
Utah in the Weeds Hoodie: It’s getting cold out there, folks! You wouldn’t want your loved ones to freeze, would you? Make warm, fuzzy feelings a tangible reality for someone you love this season with a Utah in the Weeds podcast hoodie. Makes for a great white elephant gift or comfort item for that anxious or chronically ill person in your life. They’ll thank you for introducing them to their new favorite potcast. ($34.79)
Healthcare to Buzz About Tee: Not only is this UTTHC T-Shirt cute and fun, but it’s such a simple way to potentially make a change in someone’s life and spread the good word. Medical Cannabis has been around in Utah since March of 2020, and some of our citizens are still completely unaware. If someone on your gift list is passionate about cannabis medicine and could do wonders with a conversation starter like this (you know the type), give them something to talk about this holiday season. ($11.99)
Smell Proof Skunk Bag: Honestly, you might want to buy this one for yourself — it’s that good. Lined with charcoal and probably fairy dust, once you zip your medicine away safely inside a smell-proof Skunk Bag, the smell is gone. A few models come with a combination lock to keep unwanted visitors out, too. With a smell-proof Skunk Bag, you can rest easy knowing your children, pets, or nosy roommates are safe from stumbling upon your medicine stash. ($37.59)
Zion Medicinal CBD tincture: Many of our UTTHC staff swear by this little bottle of calm and we’re delighted to be able to offer it to our patients in select clinic locations. The solstice scaries get to everyone and a few drops of CBD can make all the difference. No Medical Cannabis Card is required for purchase. This makes a great gift for the stressed, anxious, or canna-curious person on your shopping list. ($60.00)
YoCan Vane Vaporizer: If you’re shopping for someone new to vaporized flower, consider gifting them a mid-grade dry herb vaporizer like the YoCan Vane. Don’t let the significantly lower price point fool you — this compact, discreet vaporizer gets the job done. Perfect for the person new to plant-based medicine, the Vane is a small investment with a big payoff. Swing by and grab one while supplies last! ($54.99) 
Pax 2 Vaporizer: This nifty little device not only makes cannabis flower taste better and work better, but it keeps your medical patient buddy safe, legal, and in compliance with Utah’s Medical Cannabis program. (Remember, while cardholding medical patients are permitted to purchase, use, and possess raw cannabis flower, using a flame to heat it is illegal in Utah. Don’t risk your Medical Cannabis Card by lighting up.) Dry herb vaporizers heat your flower to a lower temperature than a flame would, activating extra cannabinoids and terpenes along the way that would otherwise be burnt off — you’re getting more relief and fewer mouthfuls of butane. It’s a win/win. For more info on dry herb vaporizers and how to use them, check out an episode of Discover Marijuana, an educational YouTube series hosted by our founder, Tim Pickett, and Chief Science Officer at Zion Medicinal, Blake Smith. ($149.99)
Firefly 2+ Vaporizer: Do you have a cool aunt or fun uncle known to dabble in dabs? Multifunctional with an aesthetic nod to the classics, the Firefly 2+ is UTTHC’s favorite vape for seasoned medical patients. This vaporizer is high-ly effective at warming raw cannabis flower, but contrary to the Pax 2, the Firefly 2+ also works well with concentrates. Your Secret Santa pick will love how easy it is to medicate on the go. Buy them a Firefly 2+ at your nearest UTTHC location and win brownie points with them for years to come! Learn more about 2-in-1 vaporizers in this episode of Discover Marijuana, an educational YouTube series hosted by our founder, Tim Pickett, and Chief Science Officer at Zion Medicinal, Blake Smith. ($249.95)
We’ve got you there, too. Give the gift of knowledge this season with UTTHC Patient Guides. Trust me, they’re good for every type of person on your list. Got someone who has never touched Medical Cannabis and is curious? Boom: Patient’s Guide to Medical Cannabis. For the cardholder who’s been hesitant to go to their first dispensary, the Shopping Guide for Beginners is full of tips for success. Help your new-to-cannabis grandfather dial in his dosage with the Find Your “Just Right” Dose guide. Help your brother lower his tolerance to save more money on his medicine with our Reset Your Tolerance guide, and so much more. Keep an eye out for our new Opioid Guide, launching later this month, designed to help patients lower or eliminate their opioid dose with the help of Medical Cannabis. You can download helpful Medical Cannabis guides like these from our site or pick up a printed copy at any UTTHC location. Your friends are sure to thank you for this holiday gift for years to come.
Utah Marijuana works to educate patients about Medical Cannabis and help them obtain their Medical Cannabis Cards. As part of our educational efforts, we remind patients that applying for a card requires a valid, government-issued ID. If you cannot prove your identity, you cannot get a card.
The state recommends four options on their Medical Cannabis website: a state identification card, a state driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. passport card. Most of the patients we work with have driver’s licenses, so the ID requirement isn’t a big deal. If you don’t have a driver’s license and can’t get one, we recommend getting a state ID card.
The first thing to know is that you cannot possess both a driver’s license and a state ID card. It is one or the other. If you want to get an ID card, you have to visit a state driver’s license office. They will take your photo and verify your identity with something like your birth certificate. You will also need to take your Social Security card and two documents proving state residency to your appointment.
It is a smart idea to download the ID application so you can complete it prior to your visit. The time you spend in the driver’s license office shouldn’t be long if all your documentation is in order. Also note that there is a $23 fee to get your State ID card.
ID cards have to be renewed just like driver’s licenses. Any state resident 16 years old or older can get a card. Even non-citizens can get ID cards valid for the duration of their stays, as long as they are in the country legally. As far as driver’s licenses are concerned, we won’t get into those here. Getting a driver’s license is an entirely different process.
When most people think of a U.S. passport, they think of a small book they carry with them whenever they travel overseas. At each new destination, the book is stamped to verify the individual has traveled in that country. However, there is another type of passport document known as the passport card.
A passport card is not a book. It is a small, plastic card about the same size as a credit card. It’s cheaper to get and more convenient to use. However, it has its drawbacks. You can only travel to Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Bermuda with a passport card.
For our purposes, both are considered suitable identification for obtaining a Medical Cannabis Card. Possessing a valid passport or passport card would allow you submit your application without the need for a state driver’s license or ID card. We are guessing that most people with valid passports and passport cards also have driver’s licenses. Still, we figured we would pass along the information just so you would have it.
Despite the ID requirements, getting your Medical Cannabis Card doesn’t involve a hard process. It’s actually pretty straightforward. You start by going to the state’s Medical Cannabis website and filling out the initial part of the application. Then you make an appointment to see a QMP.
If your QMP recommends Medical Cannabis for your qualifying condition, they will complete the provider portion of the application. You will then go back online to finish your portion and submit the application along with your payment. That’s it. Then you just wait for your card to arrive via email. You can carry it on your phone or print it if you like.
What is the role of cannabidiol (CBD) in cannabis medicine? Some people still aren’t clear about the distinctions between CBD, THC, hemp and other products derived from cannabis plants.
In this article, we’ll highlight some important facts about CBD to help you learn about the compound and consider whether or not it may be of use in your life.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are not sure if CBD is right for your condition. A Qualified Medical Provider (QMP) or Pharmacy Medical Provider (PMP) will be able to help you, or at least recommend other resources to seek.
The hemp plant is a type of Cannabis sativa plant with very low levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp plants are harvested for their fiber, which can be used to make fabric, rope, and other products. Hemp plants also tend to be higher in cannabidiol than other cannabis plant varieties.
Here’s another interesting fact you might not know – cannabis plants contain more than a hundred cannabinoids. We are just beginning to understand how those other cannabinoids affect human beings. We may someday learn that some of them do a far better job as medicines than CBD or THC. For now, though, CBD and THC are the two “big ones” that get the most attention.
Medical Cannabis pharmacies in Utah sell a variety of products in multiple forms and delivery methods. Some of them are derived primarily from THC; others are derived mainly from CBD. Why the difference? Because THC and CBD affect the brain differently. For instance, CBD will not get you high. It doesn’t affect the brain in the same way THC does.
Before you assume that CBD is a bummer, understand that different qualifying conditions require different medications. Whatever medical condition qualifies you for a Medical Cannabis Card may not be best treated by THC. You might be better served by cannabidiol. That is something for you and your QMP to talk about.
You might also consider the possibility of using both CBD and THC. Plenty of patients do it through a process known as “layering.” They might use a CBD product for one set of symptoms and THC product for another. There is no right or wrong here. Whatever you, your QMP, and your PMP determine is best for your condition is what you go with.
Finally, we have saved the best thing for last. Did you know that you can purchase CBD products without a Medical Cannabis Card? A product certified by the state as a CBD product contains less than 0.3% THC. That makes it fully legal under both federal and state law. You don’t need any special card or license to possess or use it.
That being said, you can’t enter a legitimate Medical Cannabis Pharmacy without a card. So if all you need is CBD, you’ll have to buy your products from other retailers. A Medical Cannabis pharmacy cannot serve you.
In closing, we just want to say a brief word about Delta-8. It’s often marketed as CBD when it is, in fact, THC. Be very careful about purchasing Delta-8 products in Utah. They occupy a gray area the legislature hasn’t yet addressed, but that won’t be the case forever.
You now know the basics of CBD. If you’d like to know more, there are plenty of helpful resources online. You can also ask your QMP or PMP if CBD is the right choice for your condition.
Of the many chemical compounds in the cannabis plant, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol has received a lot of attention in the past year.
Delta-8-THC, or delta-8, is a close relative of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the molecule most commonly associated with cannabis.
Let’s take a closer look at delta-8, the therapeutic effects it can provide, and the recent controversy surrounding the compound.
First isolated in 1966, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is an “isomer” of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This means its atoms have a slightly different arrangement than those in a delta-9 molecule. To be exact, the delta-8 molecule’s eighth carbon has a double bond. (The double bond is on the ninth carbon in a delta-9 THC molecule.)
Although the two molecules share similar pharmacological profiles, delta-8 causes less psychoactivity than delta-9. This makes it ideal for Medical Cannabis patients who want to relieve their symptoms while minimizing the “high” feeling.
In 2018, the Agricultural Improvement Act—also known as the 2018 Farm Bill—took effect, removing Cannabis sativa plants with low concentrations of delta-9 THC from the federal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act.
It wasn’t long before some hemp and CBD companies found an interesting loophole. The only requirement for a cannabis plant to be grown as hemp is that the plant contains less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. Since delta-9 THC is the only psychotropic cannabinoid specified, delta-8 was ripe for development. Within months, hemp and CBD companies began to introduce delta-8 products into the market.
In September 2021, the FDA and the CDC both released statements warning of some of the potential risks of delta-8.
Both agencies raised concerns about an uptick in delta-8-related “adverse event reports,” hospital and emergency room visits, and poison control center calls.
They also warned consumers that some products containing delta-8 THC may be labeled as hemp or CBD products.
Furthermore, both agencies warned consumers about the chemical conversion processes used to make delta-8 products.
“Some manufacturers may use potentially unsafe household chemicals to make delta-8 THC through this chemical synthesis process. Additional chemicals may be used to change the color of the final product. The final delta-8 THC product may have potentially harmful by-products (contaminants) due to the chemicals used in the process, and there is uncertainty with respect to other potential contaminants that may be present or produced depending on the composition of the starting raw material. If consumed or inhaled, these chemicals, including some used to make (synthesize) delta-8 THC and the by-products created during synthesis, can be harmful,” the FDA’s statement says.
Delta-8 in UtahAs delta-8 products started becoming available to consumers, several states moved to amend or clarify their laws regarding THC isomers.
Utah treats delta-8 THC the same way it treats delta-9 THC, meaning the substance is illegal outside of the state’s Medical Cannabis program. Medical Cannabis cardholders in Utah can still purchase and use delta-8 products from cannabis pharmacies.
Delta-8 products sold in Utah have to go through rigorous testing to ensure they’re at least 95% pure.
“That’s why from a medical market side, you know that the Delta 8 being produced there is safe because of the stringent rules the state has set. If they can’t meet that criteria it can’t make it into the market. So any Delta you produce in the state that gets into the medical market meets that criteria,” Zion Pharmaceuticals Chief Scientific Officer Blake Smith told us on a recent episode of the “Utah in the Weeds” podcast.
Smith recommends avoiding delta-8 products sold in markets that don’t require purity testing.
Utah Therapeutic Health Center’s Tim Pickett recommends products with delta-8 for several types of patients. People with cancer-induced nausea, chronic nausea, or conditions that cause abdominal pain may find relief with delta-8.
In 1995, delta-8 THC proved beneficial in reducing nausea in a study of eight children undergoing chemotherapy for different blood cancers.
“Vomiting was completely eliminated. The side effects were negligible,” the study authors wrote.
According to Smith, clinical data shows delta-8 products help with colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other gastrointestinal conditions.
Persistent nausea, Crohn’s disease, colitis, and cancer are all qualifying conditions for Medical Cannabis patients in Utah.
If you think delta-8 THC has potential in your own treatment plan, talk with your Qualified Medical Provider or a cannabis pharmacist. Together, you can discuss the large array of available cannabis treatments, including products with delta-8.
Have you been following the news about Utah’s Medical Cannabis program? If so, you know the state legislature approved a plan to add a fifteenth pharmacy earlier in 2021. Now they have actually gotten the process started. A new Medical Cannabis pharmacy is on the way in short order. That is good for the industry and patients alike.
Of course, we don’t yet know who will get the state’s fifteenth pharmacy license. We also don’t know exactly where the pharmacy will be located. But we do know that the legislature, when they approved the fifteenth license, mandated that whoever gets the license open the new pharmacy in a rural county.
We need to give our lawmakers credit for recognizing the fact that rural patients have a hard time getting to pharmacies on a regular basis. They figured out that just having a Medical Cannabis card isn’t good enough if getting into the city to buy your medicines is too difficult. So along with a new pharmacy license, lawmakers also approved the plan to allow statewide home delivery.
The Utah Department of Health’s September 2021 update indicates that applications are now being accepted for the new pharmacy license. Applications will be taken through October 18, and possibly on the 19th as well. The state plans to reveal the winning application by November 15, 2021.
Does that mean a new pharmacy will be open by the end of the year? It is possible, but there is no way to know for sure. Opening a pharmacy isn’t necessarily easy or cheap. Whoever gets the license will have to find a location. Then there will be an investment in equipment, supplies, and labor. A Pharmacy Medical Provider (PMP) will have to be hired and the pharmacy itself will have to connect to the state’s electronic verification system (EVS).
If the planets and stars all align and the Health Department cooperates at unprecedented levels, it is possible that the new pharmacy could open by the end of 2021. A more realistic timeline suggests late winter or early spring 2022. But again, no one knows for sure. We just have to sit back and see how it all plays out.
While we wait for the new Medical Cannabis pharmacy to open, you might want to look into home delivery. It is just getting started here in Utah, but it promises to be a pretty big deal. Maybe your preferred pharmacy is already on board; perhaps not. You’ll have to contact them and ask.
Home delivery in Utah is pretty straightforward. You still have to provide a valid Medical Cannabis Card to set up an online account with your pharmacy. Once that’s done though, you just go online and place your orders as needed. With each order, you pick a delivery day and time. The pharmacy delivery driver brings the medicine right to your door.
Just be patient with home delivery. It took a while for the state to get our Medical Cannabis program off the ground; it is going to take some time to iron all the wrinkles out of home delivery as well. Do not forget that we are all in this for the long haul. Give pharmacies and delivery operations enough time to get things nailed down.
If you still need to get your Medical Cannabis Card, we invite you to visit any of our locations in Utah. Our clinics are staffed by Qualified Medical Providers (QMPs) who are ready to assist you in your endeavor to maintain good health. We can answer your questions, help you complete your application, and point you to some good pharmacies.
