After voters approved Proposition 2 in November, state lawmakers overwrote it with a new medical marijuana law. It allows patients to purchase from 15 licensed pharmacies, called cannabis pharmacies. A pharmacist can help you understand how cannabis works with your existing medications. They can also answer any questions you have about products and their benefits.
Access to a Variety of Products
A medical cannabis pharmacy is an excellent place for patients to access various products to help treat their specific conditions. For example, patients could purchase CBD oil, edibles, or vaporizing cartridges. A pharmacist can assist with dosage recommendations for these products and make product suggestions based on the patient’s medical history and desired outcomes.
A pharmacist can also dispense other pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products approved by the FDA. For instance, dronabinol (nabilone), which has been FDA-approved since 1985 for treating nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, is available through pharmacies. In addition to traditional dispensary services, a medical cannabis pharmacy in Utah can allow patients to use a vape pen. This device warms (without a flame) and inhales the contents of a medical cannabis vape cartridge or other infused products. To receive a vape pen or other infused product, patients must have a Utah Medical Cannabis Card.
Convenience
If you have a medical condition eligible for a cannabis regimen, you must visit a pharmacy to purchase products and get a recommendation from a pharmacist. Pharmacists are experts in the field and can offer valuable insights for patients. They can help you find the right products and dosages to maximize your benefits. They can also recommend accessories for your medicine, like vaporizers, vape pens, edibles, and more.
The pharmacies are licensed to sell only to those with a valid medical card from the state. They can only do so if they have a registered doctor on staff qualified to recommend cannabis treatment. This is a significant barrier for many potential patients, especially since the cards will be based on an in-person appointment rather than letters of recommendation that any physician could write. Fortunately, the program works to decrease costs by allowing doctors to bill insurance for their services, reducing out-of-pocket patient costs. The pharmacies must also be staffed by registered and licensed practical nurses to provide onsite patient counseling. Additionally, they must have a limited access area inaccessible to anyone except the pharmacist, PIC, pharmacy agent, or a person authorized by the pharmacy’s PIC. This area must be marked with a “Limited Access” sign and always visible.
Expert Advice
Visiting a medical cannabis pharmacy is also a great opportunity to gain expert advice on which products work best for your specific condition or symptoms. The pharmacy staff are trained to discuss the benefits and risks of medical marijuana with patients, and they can help you determine what dosages will be safe and effective. Pharmacists can also offer insight into the different delivery methods, such as edibles or topicals, and their respective onset and duration of action.
In addition, pharmacists can interpret certificates of analysis for individual cannabis products, assess a patient’s current medications, and recommend the most appropriate medication for the medical use of marijuana. They can also advise on the proper storage and handling of a product and provide instructions for safe consumption. Another benefit of a medical cannabis pharmacy is that it’s licensed and regulated by the state, meaning it can only sell and deliver products to registered patients. This helps ensure patients can purchase a consistent, high-quality product dispensed by an experienced pharmacist. Despite the many benefits of medical cannabis, the initial cost can be an obstacle for some patients. However, the state program is working to decrease these costs by eliminating the 6-month card renewal requirement and allowing patients to purchase up to a full year of products at a time.
Competitive Pricing
While it may seem counterintuitive, medical cannabis pharmacies in Utah offer competitive pricing for their patients. This allows patients to maximize their treatment plans without breaking their budgets. However, it’s important to note that prices will vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, so it’s worth comparing their menus and weed deals before making your final decision. The state’s medical cannabis program launched two years ago when voters approved Proposition 2, which gave qualifying patients access to doctor-approved marijuana treatments for a wide range of conditions. The initiative was later replaced by a law passed during a special legislative session, allowing 14 licensed medical cannabis pharmacies to operate in the state. Since the program’s launch, the number of registered medical cannabis patients has doubled to over 41,000 as of January 2022. Those who qualify are allowed to use marijuana as a treatment for various health conditions, including cancer, PTSD, chronic pain, and more. While cannabis is associated with illicit activities, medical marijuana is a safe and effective treatment for various health conditions. It is also a safe treatment for pregnant women and children. Patients must pass a national criminal background check and have a Qualified Medical Provider (QMP) approval to receive a recommendation for medical cannabis.
