A new set of medical cannabis laws were just signed into law in Utah. The development is the latest in what has become a protracted battle over medical marijuana in the state.
Most notably, the new medical marijuana laws do away with a prior plan to institute a centralized, state-run distribution system that many advocates said would become hugely problematic. Now, Utah will implement a much broader framework for distributing medical cannabis to patients.
Governor Signs New Laws
The new laws will immediately go into effect, as Governor Gary Herbert has officially signed off on them. The set of marijuana-related amendments signed by the governor are the outcome of a special legislative session held last week.
Changes to the state’s distribution system are among the most significant amendments. In the version of Utah’s medical marijuana program that immediately preceded these amendments, patients would only be able to get medicine through a “central fill” system.
This distribution system essentially required state government employees to distribute medical marijuana. After receiving significant pushback from many in the state, lawmakers revised this provision.
Now that the new amendments have been signed into law, Utah will do away with its state-run dispensing model. In its place, the state will allow for privately-owned and operated medical cannabis dispensaries.
Importantly, the new amendments double the number of cannabis pharmacy licenses the state will give out. Additionally, the new amendments allow for home delivery. Specifically, the home delivery provision is designed to service patients in rural locations.
Replacing a Broken System
Prior to these new amendments, Utah’s central fill system was very controversial. Specifically, it came under fire both for how it was passed into law and for