Utahn’s still having trouble getting medical cannabis

Utahns who may qualify for a medical cannabis recommendation under state law are still having trouble finding doctors who are willing to give it.

Dr. Mark Briesacher  of Intermountain Healthcare says doctors are moving slowly and carefully before issuing such a letter to patients.

Briesacher, who is chief of physicians for Intermountain, said he was surprised that about 500 recommendation letters have been issued by Intermountain doctors, saying it was more than he expected.

University of Utah Health Care has issued 230 of the letters through the end of September.

The Utah Patients Coalition says thousands of Utahns are seeking the recommendations, which can serve as a defense if the patient should ever be arrested for marijuana possession.