New legislation in Utah would allow more doctors to recommend medical cannabis, according to a FOX 13 report.
The bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Ray Ward (R-Bountiful) and Senate Majority Leader Evan Vickers, would allow physicians to recommend cannabis for up to 15 patients, or up to 275 patients if a doctor receives specialized training through the state, the news outlet reported.
Qualifying patients in Utah have struggled to find doctors willing to recommend medical cannabis, according to FOX 13, with some physicians hesitant to process the required paperwork for only a handful of patients and others uncomfortable recommending cannabis to their patients at all.
The new legislation would not only allow doctors to recommend cannabis to more patients, but would also allow them to refer patients to the state’s medical cannabis pharmacies, where pharmacists can make specific product recommendations, FOX 13 reported.
The bill also adds cannabis to Utah’s controlled substances database, according to the news outlet, which allows doctors, pharmacies and law enforcement to track prescriptions for substances such as opioids.
The Interim Health & Human Services Committee will hold a hearing on the legislation Nov. 18, FOX 13 reported, and the bill will also be considered during Utah’s 2021 legislative session, which kicks off in January.
