How to Qualify for a Medical Cannabis Card in Utah

Utah allows qualified patients to use medical cannabis through a state-regulated program. To participate, an applicant generally must be a Utah resident, have a condition recognized under state law, receive a certification from an authorized medical provider, and apply through the state’s Electronic Verification System (EVS).

The program is governed by the Utah Medical Cannabis Act. The state’s medical cannabis framework was approved by voters through Proposition 2 in November 2018 and was subsequently revised by the Utah Legislature, including House Bill 3001.

Who can qualify?

Utah law recognizes a range of qualifying conditions. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services currently lists the following:

• Acute pain expected to last at least two weeks, including pain associated with surgery
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Autism
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Epilepsy or debilitating seizures
• HIV or AIDS
• Hospice care
• Multiple sclerosis or debilitating muscle spasms
• Persistent nausea, except when caused by pregnancy or certain cannabis-related vomiting syndromes
• Persistent pain lasting longer than two weeks
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being treated and monitored by a mental health provider
• A rare condition or disease as defined by the National Institutes of Health
• A terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than six months

The state’s official patient guidance provides the current list and explains additional requirements for certain conditions. Having a listed diagnosis does not guarantee approval. A recommending medical provider must determine that cannabis is an appropriate treatment after reviewing the patient’s condition, medical history, medications, and treatment needs.

Patients with other conditions

A patient whose condition is not on the standard list may still be considered through Utah’s Compassionate Use Board. The patient’s medical provider must submit the certification and petition. The board reviews factors such as the patient’s medical history, previous treatments, the severity of the condition, and the potential risks and benefits of medical cannabis.

Patients younger than 21 also generally need Compassionate Use Board approval. Adults 21 and older may apply for a standard patient card if they meet the other eligibility requirements. Utah also has separate processes for minors, guardians, and caregivers.

How to apply for a Utah medical cannabis card

1. Create an account in the EVS.

   Applicants begin by creating a UtahID account and registering in the state’s Electronic Verification System. The EVS is used for applications, provider certifications, card access, and purchase records.

2. Submit the patient application.

   Complete the application in the EVS, provide the required identifying information, review the patient acknowledgment and medical research statements, and submit the application for certification.

3. Meet with a recommending medical provider.

   The provider must conduct a medical assessment and determine whether the applicant has a qualifying condition and whether medical cannabis is medically appropriate. For most patients, the initial visit must be in person. If the provider approves the treatment, the provider submits a certification through the EVS.

4. Pay the state card fee.

   After the provider submits the certification, the applicant receives instructions for paying the state medical cannabis card fee. The state fee was reduced to $8 effective July 1, 2025. The provider’s evaluation fee is separate and varies by clinic; Utah maintains a provider directory and cost-comparison resource.

5. Download the card.

   Once the application is approved, the patient can download or print the card from the EVS. Under state law, the department generally has up to 15 days to issue a card after receiving a complete, eligible application.

6. Complete the first pharmacist consultation.

   Before the first purchase, the patient must meet with a medical cannabis pharmacist. Depending on the pharmacy, this consultation may take place in person, by phone, or by video. The pharmacist can discuss product types, dosing, possible side effects, and safety precautions.

Important rules after approval

Medical cannabis must be purchased from a licensed Utah medical cannabis pharmacy. A patient may not legally buy cannabis in another state and bring it into Utah, even if the patient has a Utah card. The state also prohibits sharing, selling, or giving away medical cannabis.

Utah permits several product forms, including unprocessed flower, vapor products, tinctures, tablets, gummies, topical products, patches, and suppositories. Smoking cannabis is prohibited, although vaping is permitted under the state’s medical cannabis rules. Patients should follow the dosing instructions provided by their medical provider and pharmacist, avoid driving while impaired, and keep products secured away from children.

A medical cannabis card is generally valid for one year, although a provider may authorize a shorter period based on the patient’s circumstances. Because Utah’s program and fees can change, applicants should confirm requirements through the state’s current application instructions before submitting an application.