Legislature tweaking state’s medical cannabis program

The Utah Legislature is looking to fast-track the latest tweaks to the state's medical cannabis program.

The changes under Senate Bill 121 from Republican State Senator Evan Vickers would allow physicians prescribing cannabis to take on more patients, and allow the state Department of Agriculture and Food to operate an independent testing lab until two private labs receive licenses.

It would also allow patients to use telehealth visits after a prior in-person consultation, and would protect government employees who use medicinal marijuana from losing their jobs.

SB121 must pass through the Legislature before March 1st, before the state program launch.