Medical cannabis is an increasingly popular treatment option for various conditions. If you’re considering this treatment in Utah, the first step is to get a valid cannabis certification and medical cannabis card. Nervana Medical in Sandy provides this detailed guide to help you navigate the certification process, from understanding eligibility requirements to beginning your journey toward improved health.
What is a Cannabis Certification?
A cannabis certification is an official recommendation from a licensed medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, confirming that you qualify to use medical cannabis for a specific health condition. This certification is the crucial step in securing your medical cannabis card, which legally allows you to purchase and use medical cannabis products in Utah.
The certification verifies that a qualified provider has assessed your condition and deems medical cannabis a suitable treatment. Once you receive this certification, you can apply for your medical cannabis card through the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
Now that you understand cannabis certification and why it's important, let’s walk through the steps to get certified in Utah.
Step 1: Locate a Qualified Medical Provider (QMP)
In Utah, you need a Qualified Medical Provider (QMP) who is registered to recommend medical cannabis. You can locate a QMP through Utah’s provider resources if your current healthcare provider is not registered. This is essential because only QMPs are authorized to issue the certification necessary for you to apply for a medical cannabis card.
Step 2: Meet with the Recommending Provider
You must meet with a QMP in person for an initial consultation. During this meeting, the provider will review your medical history and assess whether you have a qualifying condition. Qualifying conditions under Utah’s Medical Cannabis Act include, but are not limited to:
Chronic pain lasting more than two weeks
Cancer
Epilepsy or debilitating seizures
Multiple sclerosis (MS) or persistent muscle spasms
PTSD
Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Autism
Alzheimer’s disease
If you have a non-qualifying condition, your QMP can submit a petition to the Compassionate Use Board on your behalf.
Step 3: Create a Utah ID Account
Once you’ve met with your QMP, the next step is to create a Utah ID account if you don’t already have one. This account is needed to access Utah’s Electronic Verification System (EVS), where you will apply for your medical cannabis card.
You can create an account by visiting [id.Utah.gov] (https://id.utah.gov). The website has instructions for setting up your Utah ID.
Step 4: Review the EVS User Guide and Apply Online
Before proceeding with your application, review the EVS User Guide to familiarize yourself with the system. Once you’ve done that, you can begin your application for a medical cannabis card online through the EVS portal.
Step 5: Await Certification from Your QMP
After creating your profile in the EVS, your status will be marked as “awaiting certification.” Your QMP will enter the certification and recommendation directly into the system, verifying that you qualify for medical cannabis treatment.
Step 6: Pay the Medical Cannabis Card Application Fee
Once your QMP has submitted your certification, you’ll need to pay the medical cannabis card application fee. The fee is $15 for both initial and renewal applications. You can pay through your EVS profile, and your application will then be submitted to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for review.
Step 7: Wait for Application Review and Approval
For adult patients aged 21 and older with a qualifying condition, the DHHS will review your application within 15 days of submission. If you are a minor or an adult without a qualifying condition, your application will be reviewed by the Compassionate Use Board, which may take up to 90 days.
For patients whose cases are reviewed by the Compassionate Use Board, you’ll receive updates on your application status via email from cubcmc@utah.gov. Add this address to your contacts to avoid missing important notifications.
Step 8: Receive Your Medical Cannabis Card
If your application is approved, the DHHS will issue your medical cannabis card electronically. You can download the card to your smartphone or print it out. Once you have your card, you’ll be eligible to purchase medical cannabis products legally in Utah.
Step 9: Purchase Medical Cannabis from a Licensed Pharmacy
After receiving your medical cannabis card, you can visit a licensed medical cannabis pharmacy in Utah. To make a purchase, you’ll need to bring both your medical cannabis card and a valid form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license.
Before your first purchase, you are required to consult with a medical cannabis pharmacist. Some pharmacies may require you to schedule this consultation in advance, so it’s a good idea to call ahead.
You’ll be able to purchase various forms of cannabis, including:
Cannabis flower
Vape cartridges
Tinctures
Capsules
Edibles
Topicals
Nervana Medical for Cannabis Certification Evaluation in Utah
At Nervana Medical, we provide expert evaluations to determine if you are a candidate for medical cannabis. One of our Qualified Medical Providers (QMPs) will assess your condition during an in-person consultation to help you obtain the certification required to apply for your medical cannabis card.
We also offer renewal evaluations and work closely with WholesomeCo, a top medical cannabis pharmacy in Utah, to ensure you have access to high-quality cannabis products and expert pharmacist guidance.
Getting a cannabis certification in Utah is a straightforward process, but it requires following each step carefully, from finding a Qualified Medical Provider to obtaining your Medical Cannabis Card. With the right guidance and support, you can benefit from medical cannabis as a treatment for a wide range of conditions.
If you’re ready to explore how medical cannabis can help you, contact Nervana Medical today at 801-335-5243 or hello@nervanamedical.com. We’re here to assist you at every stage, ensuring you receive the care and treatment you deserve.
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