Bill > SB0073

This bill, titled the "Medical Cannabis Act," establishes a comprehensive framework for the production, processing, testing, and dispensing of medical cannabis in Utah. It defines key terms such as "cannabinoid profile," "cannabis," and various types of facilities and their agents, including cultivation facilities, processing facilities, and independent testing laboratories. The bill mandates strict inventory control systems with real-time tracking and video recording for all cannabis and cannabis products, and requires these systems to be compatible with a state electronic verification system. It outlines licensing requirements for cannabis production establishments and dispensaries, including financial asset minimums and application fees, and establishes renewal processes. The bill also details operating requirements for these establishments, covering facility security, advertising restrictions, and transportation protocols, with specific rules for cultivation and processing facilities regarding their practices and product safety. Independent cannabis testing laboratories are required to test for cannabinoid profiles, contaminants, and residual solvents to ensure product safety. The Act also addresses enforcement mechanisms, including fines, citations, and license revocations, and creates a Medical Cannabis Restricted Account to fund the program. Furthermore, it defines qualifying illnesses for medical cannabis use, establishes a Compassionate Use Board to review special cases, and sets standards for physician recommendations and patient qualifications, including the issuance of medical cannabis cards and registration for designated caregivers. The bill also includes provisions for cannabis tax, sales tax exemptions on medical cannabis products, and amendments to existing laws regarding child custody, driving under the influence, and child welfare to accommodate the legal use of medical cannabis.