Wasatch Back residents with a medical cannabis card will soon be able to avoid a trip down to Salt Lake Valley.
Utah voters passed a medical marijuana initiative, known as Prop 2, in 2018. Last March, dispensaries started popping up around the state.
One of the dispensaries, Deseret Wellness opened a location in Provo. They expected to open another in Park City on Kearns Boulevard last September, however, the opening was delayed.
Jeremy Sumerix is the marketing president of the company, he said construction was one of things that kept the doors shut.
"It's one of those things where you want to open as quickly as you can, but you need to do it right," he said. "It took us a little bit longer than we initially hoped. But we also wanted to be very methodical and careful through the process."
He said when they do open, the location will be restricted to patients 18-years or older and minors, who are accompanied by adults.
He said it isn’t difficult for someone with a qualifying condition to get a medical cannabis card.
"It's actually very, very simple," he said. "The state has made it simple intentionally. So they go online, and they can register with multiple providers throughout the state. Once they've done that, they go meet with that qualified medical professional, they discuss their needs, that medical professional does all of the work through the state verification system. And in a matter of 24 to 48 hours, in a lot of cases, they are emailed a confirmation with their card."
Prices, he said, are comparable to other medicinal only states. And just because products might be cheaper in neighboring states, he said it’s not wise to bring cannabis over state borders.
"As effective Jan. 1, having possession of marijuana from outside of Utah is illegal here in the state and people would be prosecuted by the police department," he said. "So only medicine purchased here in the state is legal."
Deseret Wellness offers discounts for seniors, veterans and people on government assistance. Summerix said they also offer discounts to first time patients.
He said there will be a ribbon cutting event on Jan. 27, and they expect to open the dispensary the first week of February.