At Utah Therapeutic Health Center, we connect patients with qualified medical providers (QMPs) and assist them in obtaining their Medical Cannabis Cards. What you might not know is that state law has been crafted in such a way as to protect QMP integrity. In other words, the law dictates that a Qualified Medical Provider cannot do certain things.
It’s not that lawmakers want to punish medical providers willing to participate in the state Medical Cannabis program. Rather, the goal is to protect them from conflicts of interest, liability issues, and more.
With these things in mind, here are four things your QMP cannot do:
State law creates a clear distinction between QMPs and Medical Cannabis pharmacies. Furthermore, pharmacies are kept distinctly separate from growing operations and processors. The separation prevents QMPs from acting as agents of Medical Cannabis pharmacies.
What is an agent? Someone who acts on behalf of an organization, in any capacity, to promote that organization’s interests. That would include a business owner, sales representative, and even a third-party contractor who does work on the organization’s behalf. In the simplest possible terms, your QMP cannot do any work for a Medical Cannabis pharmacy.
In addition to the prohibition against acting as a pharmacy agent, QMPs also cannot have a controlling interest in a pharmacy. State law defines a controlling interest as either a voting or financial interest equal to 2% or more of the total interest in a Medical Cannabis pharmacy business.
This prohibition clearly protects QMPs against conflicts of interest. By recommending Medical Cannabis and pointing you to a particular pharmacy, a QMP derives no tangible benefit. There is no incentive for the QMP to be partial.
Next, a QMP cannot direct or control a Medical Cannabis pharmacy’s business. They cannot even attempt to influence management in order to exercise indirect control. Pharmacies must be free and independent of any and all QMP influence. In short, your QMP does not have any influence over a Medical Cannabis pharmacy’s daily operations.
This last point may be somewhat confusing. Even though a QMP can charge a patient for services rendered during a visit, that same provider cannot receive any compensation from a cannabis production business, Medical Cannabis pharmacy, or another QMP in exchange for recommending cannabis to a patient.
Where cannabis production businesses and pharmacies are concerned, the prohibition extends beyond the legal entities to include owners, officers, directors, board members, employees, and agents.
This particular prohibition prevents QMPs from receiving kickbacks. Lawmakers do not want pharmacies paying QMPs for every referral they make to their establishment. They don’t want processors paying QMPs to push their products. The overall goal is to keep everything above board at all times.
Now that you know the four things a Qualified Medical Provider cannot do under state law, you should probably know what they can do. A QMP can sit with you and discuss your qualifying medical condition to see if a Medical Cannabis recommendation is appropriate. They can review your health history for the same purposes.
A QMP can recommend Medical Cannabis and assist you in filling out and submitting your application form. They can also provide follow-up visits to recommend your Medical Cannabis Card be renewed when required.
While there are a few ways Utah restricts what QMPs can do, your QMP is still an essential part of your cannabis treatment plan.
We get pretty jazzed whenever we see the state legislature working to make Utah’s Medical Cannabis program better. We had plenty of reasons to get excited when the health department released its September (2021) update. In that update are mentions of three pending changes sure to benefit Medical Cannabis patients in Utah.
The three changes affect:
We briefly explain these changes in the following paragraphs. As you read, bear in mind that none of them has been officially implemented yet. The health department still needs to do software updates. If all goes well, we may see them by the end of 2021. But we may have to wait until early 2022.
Of the three pending changes, the first one excites us the most. The state legislature has amended the Utah Medical Cannabis Act to “enable any MD, DO, APRN, or PA to recommend medical cannabis to up to fifteen qualifying Patients.” That is big, friends. It is really big.
From the start, providers have had to undergo a minimal amount of training and be certified by the state before they can act as Qualifying Medical Providers (QMPs). That will no longer be the case once this change is implemented. Any MD, DO, APRN, or PA with prescribing authority should be able to recommend Medical Cannabis for up to fifteen patients without any additional certification.
How does this change benefit patients? By giving them wider access to QMPs. If enough providers get on board, Utah patients in rural areas may no longer be forced to drive an hour or more to see a QMP.
The second pending change extends the initial renewal period to six months. As things currently stand, a patient’s very first Medical Cannabis Card is good for just 90 days. A follow-up with a QMP is necessary to renew. After that, the card is active for six months.
Subsequent renewals can be for six months or one year, depending on a QMPs assessment. We will not get into that here, as it is a topic more suitable for another post. At any rate, a longer renewal period benefits patients by reducing the frequency of their QMP visits.
The final change mentioned in the September 2021 update is a plan to begin posting QMP prices online. As things currently stand, that information is not so easy to find if providers do not post prices themselves. But once software updates have gone through, pricing information will be readily available.
According to the September 2021 update, the Department of Health and the Office of the State Auditor will work together to post pricing information. Exactly what it will look like and where it will be found remains to be seen. However, it’s a safe bet that the health department will post it on the state Medical Cannabis website along with all the other resources it offers.
We are thrilled to see that state lawmakers are pressing forward in their efforts to make our Medical Cannabis program better. We hope you are, too. In light of that, please let your representatives know how you feel about their efforts. A little positive reinforcement will go a long way toward encouraging future program improvements.
A lot of things have changed since California became the first state to approve Medical Marijuana. Many of the changes we have seen in the last few years have been related to technology. Today, patients apply for their Medical Cannabis Cards online. The state maintains its records through an electronic system. And then there’s telemedicine.
Telemedicine now plays a role in what we do. There is still plenty of room to expand telemedicine in the Medical Cannabis field, but even the options we currently have are a step above what was available to patients and their medical providers a decade ago.
So, what is telemedicine’s role in Medical Marijuana? It is similar to the role telemedicine plays in standard primary care. Telemedicine is yet another avenue patients can utilize to meet with their qualified medical providers (QMPs).
Every Medical Cannabis patient in Utah needs to have a valid Medical Cannabis Card before going into a dispensary to buy product. Patients can only obtain that first card after visiting with a QMP. Unfortunately, state law doesn’t allow that initial meeting to be held via telemedicine. QMPs and patients have to meet face-to-face that first time.
The initial meeting is no big deal. It takes about 30 minutes or so. QMPs and patients talk about the patient’s condition, medical history, and any other issues that might pertain to whether or not Medical Marijuana is appropriate. The point of the face-to-face meeting is to help the QMP better understand where the patient is coming from.
As of January 3, 2022, a patient’s first card is valid for six months. In order to renew, a follow-up visit with the QMP is in order. That’s where telemedicine comes in.
Utah Code 26-61a-201 allows QMPs and patients to meet via telemedicine at renewal time. So instead of going to your QMPs office, you make an appointment to visit with them online. You have a nice video chat and that’s it. Your QMP files the electronic forms for your renewal; you do the same.
We think this is a really wonderful thing for both QMPs and patients. We understand the need for a face-to-face meeting the first time around. But after that, telemedicine accomplishes the same thing in a way that is a lot more convenient for everyone.
You know that many parts of our state are quite rural. Some patients have to drive an hour or more to visit a QMP or Medical Cannabis pharmacy. At least telemedicine gives them the opportunity to renew their cards without having to put in the miles.
Please note that telemedicine visits are subject to availability and are offered under limited circumstances. Call us at 801-851-5554 to ask about arranging a telemedicine visit.
Telemedicine becomes even more important to card renewal when you understand that renewals are valid only for six months. There are some exceptions to the rule, as QMPs are allowed to recommend a one-year renewal under certain circumstances. But even at that, patients have to be stable and using Medical Marijuana for at least a year before the longer renewal period can be approved.
That means you will have to get at least three renewals before you are even eligible for the one-year gig. Being able to visit with your QMP online for your 90-day and both six-month renewals is a tremendous help.
Telemedicine is improving healthcare delivery across the board. It is now part of the Medical Marijuana program in Utah. We are thrilled that our state lawmakers have recognized the value of telemedicine in streamlining the Medical Cannabis Card renewal process. And yes, Utah Marijuana offers telemedicine renewal visits via our Utah Therapeutic Health Center. You can check it out here.
Can cannabis help cancer patients? Over the last few decades, researchers, healthcare professionals, cancer patients, and lawmakers have become more and more convinced of the therapeutic benefits of Medical Marijuana for treating cancer and other conditions.
Cannabis is not a panacea, nor is it a cure for cancer. There is promising research showing the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as antitumor medications. Other research, however, shows THC can encourage tumor growth in some cases.
Modern medicine has helped countless patients get rid of cancer through radiation, chemotherapy, surgical excisions, and other methods. Cannabis does not replace these traditional cancer treatments, but it can make a patient’s recovery much more bearable.
Here are a few of the most common ways cancer patients are finding relief through cannabis medicine.
Chemotherapy, perhaps the most well-known cancer therapy, works by using drugs to destroy fast-growing cells. While chemo is known to be an effective tool in treating cancer, it’s just as famous for its side effects.
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea (CIN).
“There is substantial evidence to support the conclusion that Medical Cannabis or cannabinoids are effective in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV),” a document by the Utah Cannabinoid Product Board and the Utah Department of Health states.
Delta-8 THC, a relative of delta-9, proved beneficial in reducing nausea in a study of eight children undergoing chemo for different blood cancers.
“Vomiting was completely eliminated. The side effects were negligible,” the study authors wrote.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Marinol (dronabinol), a synthetic THC, for medical use in the 1980s, and many cancer patients have used it for nausea ever since.
Because Marinol is synthetic, it contains none of the other therapeutic compounds, such as CBD, found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Therefore, some patients may prefer to use raw flower or other cannabis products with cannabinoids beyond THC alone.
Cancer-related pain can manifest in several ways. and numerous studies support cannabis as an effective way to manage both neuropathic (nerve) and visceral (organ) pain associated with cancer.
A 2010 study found cannabis treatments effective for patients with advanced cancer pain not fully relieved by potent opioids. Several guests on the “Utah in the Weeds” podcast, including a cancer patient, have shared their stories of using cannabis to reduce or eliminate their use of opioid pain relievers.
The effects of cannabis for cancer-related pain management can vary from patient to patient. Some patients find cannabis acts as an effective distraction from pain, while others say cannabis prevents or eliminates their pain.
According to the American Cancer Society, people with cancer sometimes have sleep problems brought on by treatment effects and other factors. Cancer patients may have different symptoms like pain, cramping, anxiety, or nausea that interrupt their sleep cycles.
With careful application, cannabis can help treat a range of sleep problems. Cannabis tinctures and edibles generally have longer-lasting effects than inhaled methods of cannabis ingestion, making them ideal for promoting restful, uninterrupted sleep.
Patients can also try inhaled methods to improve sleep quality, such as dry herb vaporizers and vape cartridges. Inhaling cannabis tends to cause more psychoactivity than other methods, so patients may find it helpful to wait at least 60 minutes between inhalation and bedtime.
Cancer patients often have feelings of anxiety and depression. Researchers in Israel found that 44 percent of cancer patients reduced their anxiety by using cannabis.
Another study found cancer patients reported several quality-of-life improvements, including reduced depression, after joining Canada’s Marihuana for Medical Purposes program.
THC is “biphasic,” meaning it can worsen conditions like anxiety and depression if used in excess. We strongly recommend keeping a journal to track how you’re feeling before and after you use cannabis. See our “Find Your ‘Just Right’ Dose” guide for details.
Dozens of states, including Utah, now have active Medical Cannabis programs. All of the states with legal Medical Marijuana recognize cancer as a qualifying condition.
If you have cancer, make an appointment to speak with one of Utah Therapeutic Health Center’s Qualified Medical Providers about the ways you might incorporate cannabis into your treatment plan.
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and it’s the perfect time to discuss the role Medical Marijuana plays in this debilitating and progressive disease.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurological disorder that disrupts memory, cognition, language skills, and other processes in the brain, and it’s the most common form of dementia. There is no drug that can reverse or cure Alzheimer’s, but there are several drugs, including cannabis, to alleviate AD symptoms.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 34,000 Utahns ages 65 and older had AD in 2020. That figure is expected to increase to 42,000 by 2025. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the fourth in Utah. AD is responsible for more deaths than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
Coincidentally, the number of Utahns with AD is about the same as the total number of patients who are registered in Utah’s Medical Cannabis program. Each population represents a little more than one percent of the state’s total population.
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the 15 qualifying medical conditions that can make a person eligible to purchase, possess, and use cannabis legally in Utah. Tens of thousands of patients are living with AD in Utah, but only a handful of those are taking advantage of Utah’s Medical Cannabis program and the medicinal benefits of marijuana.
According to the Utah Department of Health, only seven of Utah’s Medical Cannabis patients listed Alzheimer’s disease among their qualifying conditions as of February 28, 2021.
In the interest of Alzheimer’s disease awareness, we believe it’s important for AD patients, their families, and their caregivers to be informed of the potential treatments cannabis can provide. Even though cannabis won’t cure AD, it can at least provide some relief for patients and caregivers alike.
People living with Alzheimer’s disease can suffer from a variety of symptoms, and cannabis can help with several of those symptoms. AD patients and their caregivers may find cannabis medicine useful in treating poor appetite/weight loss, anxiety, sleep problems, pain, paranoia, agitation, or dysphoria (the opposite of euphoria) associated with the disease.
Furthermore, studies have shown cannabinoid therapy can s5imulate the growth of neurons and reduce:
A 2014 study called “The potential therapeutic effects of THC on Alzheimer’s disease” suggests THC has potential as a treatment for AD “through multiple functions and pathways.”
“[W]e believe the multifaceted functions of THC will ultimately decrease downstream tau hyperphosphorylation and neuronal death thereby halting or slowing the progression of this devastating disease,” the study concludes.
It takes a lot of work and dedication to properly care for an AD patient. The responsibility of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is often a drain on the caregiver’s physical, emotional, or financial wellbeing.
Mood-related symptoms like anxiety, dysphoria, and agitation are common in Alzheimer’s patients, and they can lead to unpleasant interactions between the patient and other people.
A study in Israel found that adding THC oil to the pharmacotherapy of 10 nursing home patients with dementia had several benefits for the patients, including significant reductions in their agitation/aggression, apathy, delusions, and irritability.
But there’s another score in that study worth noting: The level of caregiver distress also went down significantly.
If an Alzheimer’s disease patient finds cannabis relieves mood-related symptoms, the caregiver is also likely to feel some second-hand relief. After all, doesn’t it feel better to be around someone who is less agitated, anxious, and upset than they were an hour ago?
In the book “Cannabis Medicine,” author Michael Backes suggests cannabis may make it possible for caregivers to care for elderly Alzheimer’s disease patients at home. By eliminating the need for a nursing home, a caregiver could save thousands of dollars per year.
Cannabis varieties with high concentrations of THC and the terpenes myrcene or linalool, such as those found in the “purple” family of Cannabis indica plants, are recommended for their sedative effects. High-CBD varieties may also help provide a neuroprotective benefit, keeping neuron cells from dying too soon.
As with many other conditions, it may take some experimentation and careful “trial and error” to find an effective cannabis strain, dose, and delivery method for treating Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. We recommend keeping a journal throughout the process. Read our Medical Cannabis Guides for details on getting the most out of your cannabis medicine.
If you or someone you love is dealing with the heartbreaking reality of Alzheimer’s disease, we urge you to make an appointment with one of our Qualified Medical Providers. Together, you can talk about the potential uses of cannabis medicine in your treatment plan.
Utah’s Medical Marijuana program is governed by a strict set of rules. For example, state law limits the amount of product you can purchase and/or possess during any given 30-day period. No such rules exist for over-the-counter (OTC) medications. You can buy and possess as much ibuprofen as you want, for instance.
What may be perceived as a disparity really isn’t. What we are talking about is the difference between OTC and prescription medication. All prescription medications are restricted. Why? Because prescription medications come with significant risks best managed by a medical professional.
The purchase and possession rules in Utah cover three areas:
We have put together a brief description of the rules below. If you ever have any questions, you can consult the state’s Medical Marijuana website or ask one of the professionals at your local pharmacy.
What the state refers to as “unprocessed cannabis flower” is essentially that part of the marijuana plant you would use medicinally. You would dry heat it with a vaping device or grind it up and use it to make your own edibles at home.
State law allows patients to buy and possess no more than 113 grams of unprocessed cannabis flower during a 30-day period. They frame this rule by saying that patients may not possess or purchase more unprocessed flower than is required for 30 days of treatment. They cap the amount at 113 grams.
Not all patients medicate using unprocessed flower. In fact, many prefer things like vape pens and gummies. All of those other marijuana-derived medicines contain THC. That is where the rules on total composite THC come into play.
Again, patients are allowed to buy or possess no more than is necessary for 30 days of treatment. The state’s total composite THC is capped at 20 grams every 30 days. The hard cap applies to all delivery methods and dosage options.
Finally, the state draws a distinction between CBD and THC products. Both cannabinoids have medical value, so it wouldn’t be unusual for you to purchase a CBD medicine for one need and a THC medicine for something else.
It is important to note that industrial hemp and CBD are completely legal and unlimited across the country. That’s why you can buy CBD health products just about anywhere. However, from a medical standpoint, Utah law requires that CBD-derived medicines contain less than 0.3% THC. Such medications also have to be registered with the state Department of Agriculture and Food.
The good news is that there are no limits on the amount of CBD you can purchase and possess. As long as what you buy is registered with the state and contains less than 0.3% THC, you are good to go.
We also wanted to remind you that the rules about out-of-state purchases changed as of July 1, 2021. Previously, the state looked the other way when Medical Marijuana users bought their medicine in neighboring states. That no longer applies. Now, all THC products used in the state must be purchased from state-licensed pharmacies.
Now you know why your local pharmacy limits how much product you can buy at any one time. They are not allowed to sell you more than 113 grams of unprocessed marijuana flower or 20 grams of total composite THC. If you need more than that to make it through 30 days, speak with you QMP and see if there is another way to treat your symptoms.
Did you know there are six types of Utah Medical Cannabis Cards? You’re probably familiar with the first: Patient Cards. That’s the standard card that any patient over the age of 21 would receive. Then there are Guardian Cards for — you guessed it — guardians of underage Medical Cannabis patients. Those go hand-in-hand with Provisional Cards (cards given to minor patients). Coming soon, we’ll see Conditional Cards: cards that give you access to the pharmacies while waiting for your Patient Card to be approved. (Read more about Conditional Cards here.) We’ve got Non-Resident Cards, then there’s the sixth card: Caregiver Cards. These cards are used for patients who are unable to visit the pharmacy themselves and need to appoint somebody to pick up their medicine. If you or someone you know would benefit from a Caregiver Card, we’ve broken it down into 8 simple steps. Let’s go through it together.
The first step to becoming a caregiver is to befriend a Utah Medical Cannabis patient. There are almost 50,000 of us!
Before you can get your own Caregiver Card, a patient in the program needs to first tell the state who they’d like to have help them out. To do this, the Medical Cannabis patient simply needs to head to evs.utah.gov and navigate to the “Caregivers” section of their existing EVS application. Once the patient hits “+New
Caregiver” and adds the new caregiver’s information, they’ll save and submit the application. This will trigger an email to send to the caregiver listed with additional instructions.
The caregiver application process isn’t much different than the patient application process, but there is one important step to note. After you’ve created your Utah ID login, you’ll be asked if you’d like to complete Patient, QMP, or Caregiver Registration. Click “Caregiver Registration,” complete the application with your information, and hit “Register.” You’ll then be taken to the original login page where you can log in to your application and continue filling out the required information. Don’t forget to save and submit! (Get detailed EVS save and submit instructions here if needed.)
Immediately after saving and submitting, your status will change to “Awaiting Payment.” Follow the instructions at the top of the EVS screen to navigate to make your payment. Your first-time registration fee is $68.25. (Note: You’re able to act as a caregiver to two Medical Cannabis patients. You’ll pay $15 for your second patient Caregiver Card should you need one.)
After you submit your payment, you’ll get an email from the Department of Health to start the background check process. Because we’re dealing with a schedule I substance, the state requires a clean background check for each person who enters the pharmacy to purchase cannabis without approval for medical use by a provider.
During this time, UDOH simply confirms that all of the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed on your application. This process can take up to 15 days from the date your background check clears.
Once UDOH confirms that each requirement has been met, you will receive your Medical Cannabis Caregiver Card via email. You can then save the card on your phone or print it out for a physical copy.
Now you’re ready to head to your nearest Medical Cannabis pharmacy. We’ve got 14 in the state — find one that’s closest to you, browse the menu, and check out reviews here.
It’s really that easy! If you need assistance with this process or have additional questions, please comment below or give us a call. We’d love to hear from you.
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We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that we have statewide delivery available in Utah. Our friends at WholesomeCo Cannabis deliver to 99% of Medical Cannabis patients in the state — whether you’re five minutes from them or five hours — for no additional fee. Find out when/if WholesomeCo delivers to your area here and get to shopping!
*article updated as needed for accuracy*
The world is so different than it was in December 2019. Back then, Corona was a beer, masks were for Halloween, and working from home was only something you did when you were sick but didn’t want to call in. Fast forward to September 2021 — each of these things is now considered our new normal. The pandemic is far from over and we’ve all adjusted to stay sane, safe, and healthy. That’s why UTTHC is encouraging you to dive headfirst into self care this month. You’ve been through a lot, you deserve it, and I’ve got just the thing.
Something I’m trying to stay healthy is to limit my alcohol intake. I’m not a heavy drinker by any means, but I do drink socially, and I *hate* to miss a party. But whenever I do drink, the next morning I feel bloated, hungover, and insanely anxious. That’s only gotten worse as I get older, to the point where I will often choose not to drink at all. However, if you’ve ever been to a party and said, “no thanks, I’m not drinking,” you know how that can go. It’s like you’ve said, “no thanks, I’m actually three raccoons in an overcoat.” People don’t know what to do or how to move on from there. I’ve found that the easiest way to combat this is to bring your own drinks, but even that can still feel like walking around with a red A embroidered on your chest, Scarlet-Letter-style.
To help support my self care efforts, I have become a big fan of dry cocktails. Enter WB’s Eatery. Owned by 360 Restaurant Group, WB’s Eatery is more than a restaurant, it’s a place to live the cannabis lifestyle. You’ll not only find yummy food and drinks there but loads of fun literature and novelty items for purchase, as well. Trust me, if you’re interested in cannabis at all, you’ll love it. I could spend an entire paycheck there easily. The food is amazing, the drinks are delicious, and the vibes are impeccable. WB’s isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a space for cannabis lovers and enthusiasts to mix, mingle, and speak openly without fear of judgment. In their own words: “WB’s Eatery is your spot to kick back with friends, shop the market, and live the lifestyle.” Each month, they hold a social for patients, industry workers, and general lovers of cannabis to get together, hash out, and hang out. WB’s owners, Vivi and Amy Wanderley-Britt, pride themselves and their restaurants on being “exclusive in their inclusivity.” Read more about Vivi, Amy, and their commitment to community here.
Let’s back up. Why am I mentioning WB’s in an article about dry cocktails? Great question, reader! They’ve worked hard to bring us the dry cocktails of our dreams — something to drink when we’re not drinking. These zero-proof spirits have all the flavor of your favorites without the impairment or hangover the next day. You can purchase a few bottles at select 360 Restaurant Group locations on their own or as a gift set with other items. One gift set, the Deluxe Bud Box, includes a bottle of zero-proof, WB’s own CBD oil (to keep your cocktail dry, but slightly damp if you catch my drift), a canna-themed candle, herb grinder, trinket tray … for your trinkets, guitar pick, sticker, and a recipe card to make one of WB’s signature cocktails from home. You’re not just buying a drink, you’re buying an experience, all for about $100. And what an experience it is.
I was lucky enough to snag a Deluxe Bud Box at last month’s social and couldn’t wait to try it out. With my box (I opted for whiskey, but they also sell gin and 
tequila), I received a recipe card to make an Acapulco Smoke, which includes whiskey, pomegranate juice, bitters, sugar, and an orange peel. I also included some of WB’s CBD oil for maximum relaxation. Not only did my drink taste great, but it also made me feel great, too! To top off an already delightful night, I put the grinder, trinket tray, and candle (Purple Haze scented!) to good use by loading my Pax3 and hopping in the tub. You know, in the name of self care.
After making a dry cocktail on my own and seeing the light, I brought my bottle to a dinner party at a friend’s house over the weekend. I’ll tell you right now — I’ve never had a more positive experience turning down alcohol at a party. Instead of “no thanks, I’m not drinking,” I got to say “I’d love a drink! I’ll go make myself one!” While my friends know, love, and support me in not drinking, it was still great to feel a part of the ritual and not miss out on the experience of having yummy craft cocktails with them. I made drinks for a few friends (one sober and one pregnant) as well, and they were a huge hit. Plus, being that I wasn’t drinking alcohol, I was able to use cannabis throughout the night without getting too sick or intoxicated, as can often happen when mixing the two. I even felt great enough the next morning to go on an early morning hike with my fiancé. There literally is no downside to a dry cocktail in my book.
At UTTHC, we care about you. This month, I encourage you to put yourself first and remember that socializing is self care. To help you kickstart treating yourself, WB’s Eatery has graciously agreed to give away one Deluxe Bud Box to a lucky winner this month. Keep an eye on our social media pages for details on how to enter. And if you don’t win, don’t worry. You can snag a box of your own at WB’s location in Ogden, at their Holladay Pig Kitchen location (formerly
known as Pig in a Jelly Jar), from their online store, or very soon, delivered by DoorDash. Bonus: come hang out with the UTTHC team and more in the Utah cannabis space at this month’s social on Wednesday, September 29th to get your Deluxe Bar Box for just $79! The CBD oil alone sells for $75 — you won’t want to miss out on this smokin’ deal. Snag tickets for the social here for 5 yummy bites, 3 cocktails (dry or full proof), a comedy show, and loads of friendly conversation with patients, industry professionals, and cannabis enthusiasts. While you’re there, make sure to browse their online store for more fun experience boxes, CBD oil, apparel, and more.
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You know what also goes great in a dry cocktail? Cannabis. Still need your Medical Cannabis Card? UTTHC can help! Take a moment to fill out this quick, confidential prescreen form to see if you qualify. You can also reserve an appointment online or give us a call to chat more about the program. We’ve got locations in Millcreek, West SLC, Bountiful, Provo, and Ogden (just around the corner from WB’s!) and we can’t wait to see you. Don’t forget to check out our FAQs, patient guides, and YouTube channel for even more cannabis tips & tricks.
Here at Utah Marijuana, we are very much in favor of supporting the Medical Cannabis industry in whatever way we can. We help patients obtain their Medical Cannabis cards in accordance with state law. We maintain a list of pharmacies and Qualified Medical Providers (QMPs). We even do a weekly podcast. Did you know that you can support the industry as well – above and beyond your medical needs?
No doubt it’s pretty cool that you can go into any Medical Cannabis pharmacy in the state and get the medicine you need. Medical Marijuana is readily accessible under the guidance of a QMP. But there is more to the industry than that.
Here’s just one example: Utah Marijuana’s Tim Pickett recently joined co-host Chris Holifield on a Utah in the Weeds podcast featuring a local Salt Lake City business owner whose retail location focuses mainly on hemp products. Her business is just as much a part of the industry as ours.
It’s a safe bet patients visit her store looking for health-related CBD products. They have a full menu. Are gummies your thing? They have them. They also have tinctures and vape liquids. Just about anything you’d expect from a CBD outlet is there. But guess what? They do not stop at health products.
They sell other hemp stuff, too. For example, did you know you can buy clothing made from hemp-derived fabric? It’s pretty awesome. Hemp-derived fabrics are eco-friendly and sustainable. And let’s face it, it’s not every day you get to walk around town while wearing clothes made from hemp.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking that the entire universe of Medical Marijuana revolves around putting a little flower in your vaporizer and dry heating it. Hemp adds an entirely separate dynamic. And because the federal government legalized industrial hemp a couple of years ago, that part of the industry is actually a whole new world unto itself.
Way back when Medical Marijuana was in its infancy, federal and state laws didn’t draw a significant distinction between CBD and THC. Hemp and marijuana, both being cannabis plants, were equally unwelcome. Thankfully, education won out.
Regardless, there were not a whole lot of hemp producers back then. CBD was pretty expensive, too. But when Washington gave industrial hemp the green light, everything changed. Now CBD and hemp products are available just about everywhere.
Maybe you have your Medical Cannabis card but you’re not really sure what medicines are best for you. Work with your QMP and Pharmacy Medical Provider (PMP) to figure it out. That’s why they are there. In the meantime, also know you can support the industry above and beyond your medical needs.
Local businesses selling CBD stuff need and deserve your patronage. They go out of their way to develop high-quality products and merchandise for the cannabis community. Show them you support their efforts by giving them your business. Isn’t it better to buy locally than to shop with some strange, unknown entity online?
Medical Cannabis in Utah is still in its infancy. We are glad the state legislature finally listened to the people and put together a workable program for our state. The program still has a long way to go, but we have already come a long way since Medical Cannabis began to be available in Utah.
It is up to us to move things forward and support the industry in every possible way. As a Medical Cannabis patient, we hope you will join us in doing so.
