Utah legislators to tweak medical marijuana law in special session

FILE - The Capitol in Salt Lake City is pictured on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019. | Silas Walker, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah lawmakers will meet in a special session later this month to deal with issues related to dispensing medical marijuana in the state.

Gov. Gary Herbert issued the call for the session Thursday. It will be held Sept. 16, the same day that the Legislature is scheduled to hold monthly interim meetings.

“My administration is dedicated to ensuring that quality, medical grade cannabis products are accessible to patients by March of 2020,” Herbert said in a statement. “Removing the requirement for a state central fill pharmacy will provide efficient and timely distribution of this substance for those who need it.”

Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, agree lawmakers need to change the law before the general legislative session starts in January.

Adams said lawmakers would discuss and hear public comment on the issues before taking any action.

“Special sessions provide part-time lawmakers an opportunity to make needed changes to complex legislation in a way that best serves our community,” Wilson said.

The special session agenda also includes:

• Amendments to the Utah Election Code regarding the date of the 2020 primary election and technical amendments.
• Amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act regarding the transportation and storage of certain heavy beer prior to Nov. 1.
• Legislative approval of and appropriations for the settlement of lawsuits against the state.
• Amendments to certain tax incentives regarding the review required by an independent certified public accountant and technical amendments.
• Appropriations for the 2020 census.
• Senate to consent of appointments made by the governor.

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