Lawmakers have adjourned for 2016 without taking action to expand medical cannabis access to seriously ill patients.
Members of the House Health and Human Services Committee voted 8-4 on Monday, March 7, against the passage of Senate Bill 73, the Medical Cannabis Act, which sought to permit for the production and possession of non-herbal formulations of cannabis, such as oils and pills, to qualified patients. The bill’s sponsor recently announced his intention to leave the state.
House Committee members did approve an amended version of separate legislation, Senate Bill 89, which was expanded to include for the production and dispensing of primarily, but not exclusively, high-CBD strains of cannabis to qualified patients. However, lawmakers ultimately failed to back the measure, alleging that the law would be too expensive to implement.
While the bill’s sponsor says that he intends to reintroduce a version of SB 89 next session, medical marijuana proponents say that they will try to put a broader measure to a vote via a 2018 statewide initiative.
NORML thanks those of you who contacted your members of the legislature in support of medical cannabis reform.
Additional information regarding these efforts are available from The Libertas Institute or by visiting: http://legalizeutah.net/.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns
