Utah Seeks Applications for Second Independent Medical Cannabis Pharmacy in Underserved Area
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is now accepting applications for a new independent medical cannabis pharmacy to be located in a rural or medically underserved area with a population smaller than Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, or Weber counties. The application period opened on August 3 and will remain open until September 2.
This is the second of two independent medical cannabis pharmacies required to open under HB54, a bill passed by the Utah Legislature in 2025. The bill aimed to expand the number of medical cannabis pharmacies in the state, including in underserved areas, and create opportunities for pharmacy operators that aren’t owned by large medical cannabis corporations.
The first independent medical cannabis pharmacy to open under the bill was Boojum in Moab, which was awarded a license over a large corporation from Chicago. The pharmacy’s chief science officer, Olivia Kulunder, said that the licensing board cited the pharmacy’s local connection as a key reason for awarding the license.
The new pharmacy will be required to operate under Utah Department of Agriculture and Food regulations to ensure patient safety and product quality. To be eligible for the license, applicants must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of medical cannabis regulations, possess the necessary financial resources, and propose a secure and compliant facility.
The requirements for the application include:
* Independence: The new licensee must not own a financial interest in a medical cannabis pharmacy or be owned by an entity that owns any interest in or operates a medical cannabis production establishment.
* Location: The new licensee must be located in an area designated as medically underserved and in counties with populations smaller than 260,000.
* Facility plan: Each applicant must provide a detailed layout and security plan for the proposed pharmacy.
* Operational procedures: Each applicant must provide comprehensive standard operating procedures for dispensing, inventory management, and patient consultation.
* Personnel qualifications: Each applicant must provide information on key personnel, including pharmacists and technicians, and their qualifications.
After reviewing the applications, state officials will select one proposed pharmacy to receive the license, which must be issued no later than January 1, 2027. For more information on how to apply, visit the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food’s website.
