Where Can I Get Medical Cannabis?

Intermountain Healthcare is committed to connecting patients and community members with the most accurate health information and highest-quality, clinically appropriate care. With the passage of the Utah Medical Cannabis Act, Intermountain will continue to support providers and patients while helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

Is medical cannabis the same as medical marijuana?

Essentially these terms mean the same thing. Intermountain Healthcare is referring to this therapy as medical cannabis because it reflects the wording in the Utah Medical Cannabis Act. Also, studies have shown that many people, providers, and caregivers associate the word “marijuana” with illicit activities or that the term makes people feel uncomfortable about the therapy. We’re calling it medical cannabis to avoid distracting providers, caregivers, patients, and family members from the clinical guidance and plans around this therapy.

Isn’t cannabis/marijuana illegal?

The Utah Medical Cannabis Act permits the possession and use of medical cannabis in certain forms and for certain medical conditions with an appropriate provider recommendation. However, in the United States, cannabis/marijuana is illegal under federal law, as it’s classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning the Drug Enforcement Agency considers it to have no accepted medical use and the potential for abuse.

Possession or use of medical cannabis could potentially impact your employment or job prospects, workers compensation, professional licensing, and other aspects of your life. A medical cannabis card doesn’t excuse you from any violation of federal laws regarding cannabis and doesn’t authorize you to violate other policies and laws, including Utah law prohibiting driving with any measurable amount of a controlled substance in the body. A card may not prevent local, state, or federal enforcement agencies and prosecutors from taking enforcement actions against you related to your use or possession of medical cannabis.

You should thoroughly and seriously consider these and other issues before deciding to pursue or continue treatment with medical cannabis.

How can I get a medical cannabis card?

Start by talking to your medical provider. Each patient and circumstance is unique and requests indicating a qualifying medical condition for medical cannabis are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To get a card, you will need to complete the application process through the Utah Department of Health.

Why is it called a “letter” or “card” instead of “prescription?”

Under the Utah Medical Cannabis Act, certain providers may, under certain circumstances, recommend treatment with medical cannabis. Current state and federal law do not permit medical cannabis prescriptions.

Why are "medical cannabis cards" needed instead of "letters", and what's the difference?

The state is transitioning to a medical cannabis card using an electronic verification system (EVS) where patients can apply for medical cannabis patient cards and qualified medical providers can make recommendations. The EVS is a more real-time, easy-to-use, and complete resource for patients and providers to manage care. Beginning January 1, 2021, patients will need a Medical Cannabis Card to purchase medical cannabis from a Utah medical cannabis pharmacy. Recommendation letters will not be accepted after December 31. What is a qualified medical provider (QMP). How do I know if my provider is one?

A qualified medical provider (QMP) is a provider who has been approved by the state to recommend medical cannabis treatment. The Utah Medical Cannabis Program page lists only providers that have asked to be included on the website. Your provider may be a QMP without being listed on the site. Contact your provider to find out more about medical cannabis recommendations.

What is a “qualifying condition?”

See the full list of qualifying conditions under the Utah Medical Cannabis Act on the Utah Department of Health website (question 6).

If I have a qualifying condition, is my provider required to give me a recommendation?

No. Providers aren’t required to recommend treatment with medical cannabis, even if a patient has a qualifying condition. The decision to recommend medical cannabis is made on a case-by-case, individualized basis.

What’s the difference between medical cannabis and CBD?

The cannabis plant produces two main chemical compounds: tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD.

CBD products are commonly derived from hemp, a strain of the cannabis plant that has historically been used to make industrial products like cement, paper, clothing, and more. CBD products derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC are governed by the Utah Department of Agriculture, which has established rules for the sale and purchase of CBD in Utah. CBD products that have registered with the Department, meeting all testing, labeling, and other requirements as established by rule, may be purchased in the state of Utah. A provider letter or card is not required to purchase or use CBD.

If a product contains more than 0.3% THC it’s considered cannabis/marijuana, which means use and possession must comply with the Utah Medical Cannabis Act, including provider recommendation, qualifying condition, medicinal dosage form, and quantity limits.

What forms of medical cannabis are allowed?

The Utah Medical Cannabis Act allows for a variety of forms and delivery methods, including tablets, capsules, concentrated oils, and topical preparations. A detailed list of these forms can be found on the Utah Medical Cannabis Fact Sheet, which is provided by the Utah Department of Health.

It’s important to understand that smoking cannabis is not permitted by the Utah Medical Cannabis Act. However, you may purchase a device that warms (without a flame) cannabis material into a vapor, which can then be inhaled. Also, edible products (besides gelatinous cubes) such as candies, cookies, and brownies are not permitted under Utah law.