UTSAM Opposes Legislation Establishing New Medical Cannabis Provider Type

On February 12, the Utah Society of Addiction Medicine (UTSAM) submitted a letter in opposition to SB170, which would establish a new provider type under Utah’s medical cannabis law. Currently only qualified medical providers may recommend medical cannabis to a patient. Qualified medical providers are clinicians who must satisfy an array of conditions including licensure under the state's controlled substances law, and receiving continuing medical education (CME) on recommending cannabis. Furthermore, qualified medical providers may not to own, or be employed by, a cannabis production establishment, a medical cannabis pharmacy, or a medical cannabis courier.

SB170 would create a new provider type, called “limited medical provider.” This provider type would also be a clinician licensed under the state's controlled substances law. However, this provider type would not be required to complete the CME on recommending cannabis, and furthermore, would be allowed to own, or be employed by, a cannabis production establishment, a medical cannabis pharmacy, or a medical cannabis courier. These limited medical providers would only be able to recommend cannabis to up to 15 patients. UTSAM’s letter focused on the importance of ensuring that clinicians recommending medical cannabis are sufficiently educated on the drug before they recommend it. Furthermore, it noted that cannabis is associated with a myriad of health risks, and has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for any medical indication. 

Read the letter here.

Read the bill here.