Utah's 2012 legislative session has begun

The Utah Legislature has convened its 2012 general session. Last year, lawmakers adjourned without passing, or even considering, medical marijuana legislation. Medical marijuana is now a reality in 16 states, plus Washington, D.C. Utah's decision makers must find it in their hearts to debate, and ultimately pass, compassionate medical marijuana legislation.

Legislators in Salt Lake City need to ask themselves if the best practice for treating seriously ill residents of the Beehive State is to: (a) jail them for using medicine that eases their pain, or (b) protect them from arrest and prosecution and allow them legal access to medicine that has been proven safe and effective.

The Utah Legislature needs to understand that the public wants to change the way Utah treats suffering and dying medical marijuana patients. A January 2010 Washington Post/ABC News poll found 81% of Americans support protecting patients. Please urge your legislators to introduce a medical marijuana bill this session. Only you can convince them that this issue is vital to Utah residents.

If you are a patient, a medical professional, a law enforcement official, or a clergy member, please email state@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help in future efforts to get medical marijuana legislation introduced in Utah.  

Utah's current marijuana laws

Under current Utah law, possession of as little as an ounce or less of marijuana can result in a six-month jail sentence. Write your legislators and ask that they introduce legislation reclassifying the penalty for possession of up to an ounce to a civil infraction only. This way, Utah’s punishments will better meet the severity (or lack thereof) of the crime. For more information on Utah's marijuana laws, please see Dr. Jon Gettman, Ph.D.'s Utah-specific state report.

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