A Utah Senate committee approved a significantly revised version of a bill aimed at expanding the state’s medical cannabis program, The Salt Lake Tribune reports. House Bill 203 (HB203), which initially proposed adding 25 new medical cannabis licenses and creating an ombudsman position for industry oversight, was drastically altered before advancing from the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
Key Changes to HB203
The latest version of the bill now allows for only two additional medical cannabis licenses instead of the 25 originally proposed. Additionally, the committee removed the ombudsman role, which was intended to provide oversight and assistance within the industry.
HB203 previously passed in the House with bipartisan support in a 57-15 vote. However, the bill faced resistance in the Senate committee, where opposition from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and other conservative groups contributed to delays and modifications. Despite these challenges, the committee ultimately voted 6-0 to advance the revised proposal to the full Senate.
Frustration from HB203’s Sponsor
Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost (D), who sponsored the bill, expressed frustration over the changes and delays, stating that she had already made numerous concessions to address concerns.
“I’m super glad that senators were really thoughtful about letting us reconsider the bill and take it into account that there’s obviously a lot of hard work about cannabis in general. We have to stay focused on the fact that we have an opportunity and an obligation. … If we don’t do it, then some of the legitimate problems that are out there will perpetuate,” Dailey-Provost said in a statement to The Salt Lake Tribune.
The Future of Medical Cannabis in Utah
If the full Senate approves the revised HB203, the bill will return to the House for reconsideration due to the significant amendments.
Utah voters initially approved medical cannabis legalization in 2018. However, the program remains tightly regulated, and advocates continue to push for further expansion. A poll conducted last year indicated that approximately half of Utah voters support legalizing cannabis for adult use, signaling potential shifts in public sentiment.
The outcome of HB203 will determine whether Utah patients see increased access to medical cannabis, though advocates remain concerned about the limitations imposed by the latest version of the bill.
For more updates on the cannabis industry, subscribe to our daily news alerts.
