Can I be/have a caregiver for a medical marijuana patient in Utah?

Yes, medical marijuana patients in Utah can have a caregiver.

Caregiver Requirements:

• Minimum 21 years of age.

• The patient must have an active medical cannabis card in order to register their caregiver.

• Must complete a background check (after application payment, the Department of Health will email the caregiver about how to begin the process).

  • Please contact medicalcannabis@utah.gov with questions about the background check process.

Here's how to apply as a caregiver:

1. Before a caregiver begins the process to apply for a medical cannabis caregiver card, a patient must add the caregiver’s information to the electronic verification system (EVS). Review the Utah resident application guide for instructions on how to add a caregiver to a patient account.

2. Create a Utah ID account in the Caregiver’s name if they do not already have one.

   1. A Utah ID account can be created by going to id.utah.gov.

   2. For Utah ID account creation instructions, click here.

3. Review the caregiver EVS user guide and apply online for a medical cannabis card.

4. Pay the medical cannabis card application fee online in the EVS.

   1. Medical cannabis card fees:

      1. Caregiver Card (primary patient initial): $68.25

      2. Caregiver Card (secondary patient initial) $15

      3. Caregiver Card (first renewal): No charge

      4. Caregiver Card (primary patient subsequent renewals): $14

   2. All applications will be complete and enter 'Awaiting State Review” status after a caregiver has made payment.

5. After payment, DHHS will contact caregivers using the email they have submitted in the EVS to begin the background check process.

6. The application review process will be completed 15 days or less from the date the caregiver's background check has cleared.

7. If all requirements have been met, the DHHS will issue the medical cannabis caregiver card. The caregiver will receive their card via email. The caregiver can then save the card on their smartphone or print them out.

8. Once a medical cannabis card is issued by the DHHS, a caregiver is ready to purchase product from a medical cannabis pharmacy. To purchase medical cannabis, a caregiver must bring their medical cannabis card and a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver's license, with them to the pharmacy.

1. 1. Before the first purchase, a patient will need to consult with a medical cannabis pharmacist. Some pharmacies require an appointment made in advance for this consultation.

   2. A list of Utah’s 15 medical cannabis pharmacies is posted here.

State Resources:

• Caregiver Application User Guide
  
• Parent/Guardian and Caregiver Information & Instructions