Utah Lawmakers Push for Protections for Medical Cannabis Patients

LOS ANGELES- In a significant legislative push, two key Utah state lawmakers are spearheading a bill aimed at safeguarding the rights of medical marijuana patients against discrimination by local governments. This initiative follows the 2018 approval of medical cannabis use by Utah voters, a measure that garnered nearly 53% of the vote, illustrating a shift towards recognizing cannabis as a legitimate medical therapy.

The proposed bill, backed by Democratic Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla and Senate Majority Leader Evan Vickers, a Republican, seeks to address the refusal of some cities to comply with state laws regarding medical cannabis. Despite Utah’s regulatory framework, which treats medical cannabis similarly to traditional prescription drugs, reports have emerged of local governments discriminating against public employees who are registered medical marijuana patients.

Escamilla highlighted instances where employees were questioned and disciplined over their status as medical cannabis cardholders, a practice she argues contradicts state law. “It’s very clear you don’t get to force people to tell you they’re using controlled substances as a prescription,” Escamilla stated, emphasizing the need for equality in treatment for prescribed medications.

Senate Bill 233 (SB 233), which has garnered bipartisan support, proposes to cut funding to cities that engage in such discrimination. The bill recently advanced in the Senate, signaling a strong legislative push to ensure compliance with Utah’s medical marijuana program and protect patients from employment discrimination.

The Utah Patients Coalition, among other medical marijuana advocates, has voiced support for SB 233, pointing out the ongoing discrimination against public employees who lawfully access medical cannabis. Desiree Hennessy, the group’s executive director, underscored the bill as a crucial step towards enforcing state law and safeguarding workers’ rights.

However, the bill faces opposition from certain quarters, including the Utah Eagle Forum, which argues that the legislation could compromise public safety by potentially allowing impaired individuals to occupy sensitive job positions. This stance has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some expressing concerns about the bill’s implications.

Escamilla, acknowledging the concerns raised, has expressed willingness to negotiate modifications to the bill to address safety concerns while maintaining protections for medical cannabis patients. This includes defining specific penalties for cities that fail to comply with the legislation.

As SB 233 moves towards final approval in the Senate and subsequently to the Utah House of Representatives, it embodies a critical juncture in Utah’s approach to medical cannabis, balancing patient rights with public safety considerations. If passed, the bill will require the endorsement of Republican Governor Spencer Cox, marking a significant step in ensuring that medical cannabis patients are treated fairly under state law.