Enrollment costs are the biggest hurdle for patients trying to get into Utah's medical cannabis program, according to a new survey from the Utah Department of Agriculture & Food. More than a quarter of respondents said fees keep them from participating or limit their access.
The department surveyed 14,600 participants and potential participants in the state's medical marijuana program. Responses came from 7,222 active cardholders, 2,770 people with expired cards, and 959 cannabis consumers who have never enrolled. Across all groups, 27% said enrollment costs prevented or limited their access.
Utah charges $15 for a medical card application. Veterans, people on Supplemental Security Income, and those enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid pay a reduced $5 fee. Patients also have to pay for a physician consultation to get a recommendation. That fee varies by provider but typically runs $150 to $300.
Renewal costs add up
Utah launched its medical marijuana system in 2020 after voters approved Proposition 2 in 2018. The program has faced criticism over access problems since it began, and other state medical programs have run into similar complaints.
For the nearly 3,000 survey participants with expired cards, the decision to renew is often a question of money. Renewal happens annually and requires both the state fee and another physician visit. Some patients can't justify the recurring expense, especially if they are managing their conditions another way or buying from the illicit market instead.
The program currently serves around 38,000 active patients in a state of 3.4 million residents. Neighboring Colorado's medical program, which has operated since 2000, keeps roughly 78,000 active patients on its rolls even though the state's adult-use market gives consumers another way to buy.
What respondents said
The UDAF survey is one of the most comprehensive assessments of Utah's medical cannabis program to date. Respondents also raised complaints about product availability, dispensary locations, and the list of qualifying conditions, but cost was the dominant theme.
The nearly 1,000 cannabis consumers who have never enrolled may be the most telling group. These respondents, who by definition are buying cannabis through illegal channels, named enrollment costs as a primary reason for staying outside the regulated system.
What lawmakers might do
Utah legislators have revisited the medical cannabis framework periodically since it took effect. Several bills in the 2024 session aimed to expand qualifying conditions and improve access, but none directly addressed enrollment fees.
Some patient advocates want the state to drop enrollment fees entirely, arguing the program was meant to provide medical relief for qualified patients. Others have suggested a tiered fee structure that would account for income differences while still funding the program.
The survey lands as Utah officials prepare for the 2025 legislative session, where medical cannabis policy could come up again. With data now showing cost as a measurable barrier, legislators face renewed pressure on program access, especially as the state tries to move consumers from the illicit market into regulated channels.
The department has not announced specific recommendations based on the findings, though officials said the data would inform future policy discussions and program improvements.
This article is based on original reporting by ganjapreneur.com.
