Utah’s Medical Cannabis Policy Advisory Board has unanimously recommended a series of changes that would loosen advertising restrictions for medical marijuana pharmacies, producers and recommending health care providers.
The board voted 7 to 0 at its recent meeting to recommend five changes to state lawmakers. One member was absent and one board position was vacant at the time of the vote.
Among the recommendations is a proposal allowing medical cannabis pharmacies to advertise events where patients can obtain or renew medical marijuana cards, as well as educational events. Medical cannabis production establishments would similarly be allowed to advertise educational events.
The board also recommended allowing processors to place website URLs or QR codes on product packaging and labels. Those links could direct patients to processor websites containing information about their products and where they can be purchased.
Another recommendation would allow medical cannabis pharmacies to sell or distribute branded or educational merchandise, subject to restrictions established by state law or administrative rules.
The fifth proposal would expand advertising options for health care providers who recommend medical marijuana, allowing them to promote educational events and events where qualified providers offer medical cannabis recommendation services, including card events held at clinics, pharmacies or other locations.
The recommendations originated in a memo authored by board members J.D. Lauritzen and Blake Smith. The memo argues that Utah’s existing restrictions make it unnecessarily difficult to inform prospective patients about the state’s medical marijuana program and educational opportunities.
Under current Utah law, marijuana advertising remains substantially restricted. General advertising of promotional discounts or incentives, specific marijuana products or brands and assurances of medical outcomes is prohibited, while cultivators, processors, pharmacies and recommending providers operate under additional restrictions specific to their licenses.
The proposed changes are not intended to authorize broad advertising of marijuana products, discounts or incentives. Instead, the memo describes them as incremental changes designed to increase awareness, improve patient access and provide additional opportunities for patient education.
Board members cited a recent Utah market analysis showing that lack of awareness remains a barrier to participation in the state program. Among people using cannabis for medical purposes without registering with the state, 21% identified lack of awareness as a reason for not enrolling, second only to the cost of enrollment.
The board serves in an advisory capacity, meaning the 7-0 vote does not itself change Utah law. The proposals would require legislative changes, and in some cases corresponding amendments to administrative rules, before taking effect. The board is scheduled to meet again September 15.
