Utah's 2012 legislative session adjourns

The Utah Legislature adjourned its 2012 general session without mention of any change in the state's marijuana laws. Medical marijuana is now a reality in 17 states, plus Washington, D.C., and 15 states have now removed the threat of jail time for individuals found in possession of certain amounts of marijuana. Utah's decision makers must find it in their hearts to debate, and ultimately pass, legislation that more adequately reflects the growing support for sensible marijuana policies.

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. Please urge your legislators to introduce a medical marijuana bill next session.

Utah's lawmakers should also debate the merits of criminalizing the non-violent act of possessing a substance that is safer than alcohol — marijuana. Both Utah's neighbors to the east and west have reformed their laws to remove the draconian threat of jail time for simple possession of marijuana. Ask your legislators to do the same.

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 sensible 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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