Utah Opening Applications for Second Medical Cannabis Pharmacy  

State regulators in Utah will open the application process for the second of two independent medical cannabis pharmacies in the state from August 3 to September 2, ABC4 reports. The second pharmacy is required under state law and must be issued before Jan. 1, 2027. 

According to the state Department of Agriculture and Food, the new licensee shall not own a financial stake in a medical cannabis pharmacy or be owned by an entity that owns a financial interest in a medical cannabis pharmacy; must be located in an area designated as medically underserved; must have the ability to establish and operate the pharmacy in a rural and underserved area for at least 15 years; must provide a detailed layout, security plan, and comprehensive standard operating procedures for dispensing, inventory management, and patient consultation; and provide information on key personnel, including pharmacists and technicians, and their qualifications. 

All applicants must also demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of medical cannabis regulations, have access to the necessary financial resources, and have a secure facility. 

As of June, there were 115,472 active medical cannabis patient ID cards issued in the state, according to Department of Health and Suman Services data. According to the agency, there were 1,028 registered recommending medical providers, as well as 950 processor/cultivator agents, 965 pharmacy agents, 445 courier agents, and 96 pharmacy medical providers.