Why it matters: The Utah Department of Health and Human Services has appointed nine board members to the newly formed Medical Cannabis Policy Advisory Board. The board will provide policy change recommendations to DHHS, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, and state lawmakers regarding the state’s medical cannabis program.
What they are saying: Tracy Gruber, the DHHS Executive Director, believes that the advisory board will be beneficial to patients, medical providers, and businesses participating in Utah’s medical cannabis program as it makes policy recommendations.
The big picture: The Medical Cannabis Policy Advisory Board was created during the 2023 general legislative session after House Bill 72 Medical Cannabis Governance Revisions was approved.
What to watch: The advisory board’s recommendations on policy changes to state lawmakers and regulators regarding the state’s medical cannabis program.
My take: The formation of the Medical Cannabis Policy Advisory Board is a step towards better management of Utah’s medical cannabis program and ensuring that patients, medical providers, and businesses benefit from the program. The board’s recommendations can help shape policies that are more effective at meeting the needs of these stakeholders.
