Cannabis bills the Utah Bee is tracking: 2021 edition
It’s that time of year again; the Utah legislature is in session. And with it, a new batch of cannabis bills. Let’s review what is being proposed so far in week two.
MEDICAL CANNABIS ELECTRONIC VERIFICATION
Chief Sponsor: Evan J. Vickers
SB81 - This bill is seeking permission to delays aspects of the program until September 1, 2021
There are industry and patient concerns to consider.
The delays will affect qualified medical providers(QMP) and their employees from accessing the database. It will also delay parents or legal guardians who do not qualify for medical cannabis cards to designate a caregiver. Another concern brought on by this delay is for out of state patients reciprocity. And finally, the wait would prohibit designating an assisted living facility, nursing home, or a general acute hospital as a caregiver for medical cannabis purposes.
The industry concerns with MJ Freeway, whom this bill would benefit, have been ongoing since the state accepted its bid. MJ Freeway has a reputation for software problems in other states and has generated their fair issues here.
Do they deserve to continue with this contract, or should the state allow another RFP?
HEMP REGULATION AMENDMENTS
Chief Sponsor: Sen. David Hinkins
Co-Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost
HB39 - This bill makes it illegal to distribute, sell, or market a product that exceeds the acceptable hemp THC, like Delta 8. If we have a synthesized cannabinoid that is psychoactive, it should be part of the medical program. However, we see no harm in allowing smokable hemp. There is no justifiable reason why this should not be permitted. Hemp is legal federally. Prohibiting a modality of consumption infringes on people’s civil liberties.
QUALIFYING CONDITIONS FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS
Chief Sponsor: Representative Gay Lyn Bennion
HB210 - This bill adds "opioid use disorder, acute pain, and those in opioid or opiate maintenance programs" to the medical cannabis conditions list. This bills also allows patients and doctors to choose a pain management approach best suited to the patient's needs. Currently, those with opioid use disorder are left with no options for pain relief. Cannabis would be a viable choice for them under this bill. This bill would also allow doctors the option of recommending cannabis as an option for acute pain, instead of opiates.
The Utah Bee will be following these, and any additional bills that may arise regarding cannabis during this session.