In Utah, the evolution of cannabis laws echoes the national trends, showcasing a diverse landscape from stringent regulations to a more recent embrace of medical marijuana.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about Utah cannabis laws, including possession limits, cultivation guidelines, penalties, and the complex routes for accessing and sharing cannabis within the state.
Medical patients can possess up to 4 ounces of cannabis products.
There are penalties for possessing more than the allowable amount of cannabis, for unlicensed sales, and for consuming in public spaces.
Is Cannabis Legal in Utah?
In Utah, recreational cannabis remains illegal under state law. However, since 2018, medical marijuana has been legal for approved medical conditions. The Utah Medical Cannabis Act oversees the sale and distribution of medical cannabis for qualified patients, with sales starting in 2020.
Specific limits and forms of medical cannabis are allowed, but using it in public or on federal property is against the law. Hemp extract and CBD oil with low THC content are available within certain restrictions.
Regulations for Medical Use
In Utah, medical cannabis is legal for those with a medical card. There are still laws and limits to follow, including that medical card holders may:
Buy tax-exempt cannabis products
Possess a one-month supply as specified by their doctor or 4 ounces of flower or 20 grams THC.
Travel with cannabis, within specified limits, in a vehicle as long as it is in a closed container that is in an area that’s out of reach to the passengers, such as in the trunk.
Apply for a medical card if under the age of 18, with board approval, requiring a parent/guardian's "medical cannabis guardian card."
Consume cannabis in a private residence or approved medical facility.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis in Utah
The qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Utah include:
A condition related to chronic disease that manifests with nausea or malnutrition
Alzheimer’s Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Any rare condition or disease affecting less than 200,000 individuals in the U.S.
Autism
Cachexia, or other disease characterized by physical wasting such as weight and muscle loss
Cancer
Chronic pain (lasting longer than 2 weeks)
Crohn’s Disease or other severe gastrointestinal disorders
Epilepsy or other seizures
HIV/AIDs and other autoimmune disorders
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other conditions causing severe muscle spasms
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Ulcerative Colitis or other gastrointestinal disorder
Restrictions
In Utah, strict regulations surround cannabis, including
Recreational use, possession, distribution, and manufacturing are illegal.
Access to cannabis is solely for registered medical marijuana patients.
Public use and workplace consumption are prohibited, respecting workplace policies.
Cultivation, even for medical purposes, is not allowed for patients or caregivers.
Limits are set for possession: up to 113 grams of cannabis flower and 20 grams of total THC in other forms.
Health insurance does not cover medical cannabis, and smokable or edible forms are prohibited.
Utah Cannabis Laws
HB 72 - Medicinal Cannabis Governance Revisions:Establishes a Medical Cannabis Policy Advisory Board with diverse stakeholders advising on cannabis policies. Transfers oversight of medical cannabis pharmacies and couriers from DHHS to UDAF. Extends the expiration date for the working group analyzing the state's governance system.
SB 137 - Medical Cannabis Card Extension:Increases medical cannabis card issue time from six months to one year, easing patient renewal burdens. Allows the use of electronic signatures for card applications. Clarifies that cannabis use cannot serve as proof of impairment in certain judicial processes.
HB 230 - Center for Medical Cannabis Research: Establishes a Center for Medical Cannabis Research at the University of Utah. Requires DHHS collaboration with the Center to create medical cannabis use guidance. The Center will be funded by the DHHS Qualified Patient Enterprise Fund.
SB 38 andSB 40 - Health and Human Services Code Amendments:Alters and removes sections of the Health Code and Human Services Code due to the merger of DHHS and Human Services into the Department of Health and Human Services.
SB 91 - Medical Cannabis Provisions: Grants UDAF authority to prohibit certain ingredients in medical cannabis products, focusing on public health recommendations. Modifies labeling requirements for cannabis products, mandates heavy metal testing for vaporizer cartridges, removes license cap for testing laboratories, and allows liquid cash accounts for cannabis production establishments instead of surety bonds.
Penalties for Marijuana-related Crimes in Utah
Possession:
Less than 1 ounce:Class B misdemeanor, up to 6 months imprisonment, and a $1,000 fine.
1 ounce – 1 pound: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year imprisonment, and a $2,500 fine.
1 pound - 100 pounds:Third-degree felony, up to 5 years imprisonment, and a $5,000 fine.
100 pounds or more: Second-degree felony, 1-15 years imprisonment, and a $10,000 fine.
Sale:
Any amount: Second-degree felony, up to 5 years imprisonment, and a $5,000 fine.
Sale near schools or in the presence of minors: Enhanced penalties apply.
Cultivation:
Penalties align with possession based on the total weight of cultivated plants.
Hash & Concentrates:
Considered Schedule 1 controlled substances, falling under marijuana laws.
Paraphernalia:
Possession: Class B misdemeanor, up to 6 months imprisonment, and a $1,000 fine.
Sale: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year imprisonment, and a $2,500 fine.
Sale to a minor:Third-degree felony, up to 5 years imprisonment, and a $5,000 fine.
Legal Cannabis and Buy Online Alternatives
Although cannabis is legal in many states, hemp-derived THC products are still rising as a noteworthy alternative thanks to their affordability and accessibility. Hemp-derived THC products are federally legal, unlike traditional marijuana products, meaning they can often be ordered online and shipped right to your door.
