Wooden letter blocks spelling FAQ
Is "medical marijuana" the same as "medical cannabis"?

Yes. "Medical cannabis," "medical marijuana," and "MMJ" all refer to the same thing — cannabis products used under a state medical program. Utah's official program uses the term "medical cannabis," which is why you'll see that term throughout this site and on your card. If you've been searching for a "medical marijuana card in Utah" or "MMJ card in Utah," you're in the right place.

Do you need to see a doctor for a Utah medical cannabis card?

No. In Utah, medical cannabis (medical marijuana) evaluations can be provided by any state-registered Recommending Medical Provider (RMP). This includes physicians (MDs and DOs), physician assistants (PAs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) — not just doctors.

Utah uses the term "Recommending Medical Provider" because the program recognizes that trained providers across multiple specialties can appropriately evaluate patients for medical cannabis. At Solenta Wellness, your provider is Adam Toller, PA-C — a Utah-licensed physician assistant who has been part of Utah's medical cannabis program since its inception.

If you've been searching for a "medical marijuana doctor" or "medical cannabis doctor" in Utah, Adam is not a doctor — he is a physician assistant (PA-C). But he can still evaluate you and recommend medical cannabis. Utah's Recommending Medical Provider system was designed to make medical cannabis care accessible through qualified providers of various types, including PAs.

How long will my visit take?

New patient and transfer evaluations take about 40 minutes; follow-ups and renewals take about 20 minutes. Every visit is planned with enough time for a thorough conversation — we don't rush patients through appointments. Some visits are shorter, some use the full time, depending on what you want to discuss and any questions you have. Adam's approach is that if you leave feeling rushed or with questions unanswered, we haven't done our job.

Whether you're a new patient, a transfer, or here for a follow-up or renewal, you'll have time to talk about your care, ask questions, and be heard. Your specific appointment length is shown when you book online (opens in a new tab).

How do I know if I qualify for a Utah medical cannabis card?

You qualify if you have one of Utah's qualifying conditions and a recommendation from a state-registered provider. See the Qualifying Conditions page for the full list.

How old do I need to be to get a medical cannabis card at Solenta Wellness?

You need to be 21 or older. Solenta Wellness sees adults 21 and older with one of Utah's qualifying conditions, and we do not see patients under 21.

Can I get a medical cannabis card if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

We don't recommend medical cannabis for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, for the safety of you and your baby. If this applies to you, we'd encourage you to talk with your regular healthcare provider about other options that may be a safer fit. Your safety comes first.

Can I get a medical cannabis card if I have a history of schizophrenia?

We don't recommend medical cannabis for patients with a personal or family history of schizophrenia, because cannabis can trigger or worsen this condition. If this applies to you, we'd encourage you to talk with your regular healthcare provider about options that may be a safer fit. Your safety comes first.

What happens at a new patient evaluation?

Your provider reviews your medical history, current symptoms, and any prior treatments. You'll discuss whether medical cannabis fits your situation. If appropriate, you will receive a medical cannabis card valid for 6 months. To keep your card active beyond those first 6 months, you'll come back for a brief 6-Month Follow-up visit; after that, you move to standard annual renewals.

I already have a medical cannabis card from another provider — can I transfer to your practice?

Yes. We welcome transfer patients from other Recommending Medical Providers. Your transfer visit is in-person at our Orem office, $99 + state fee. We'll review your medical history, confirm your qualifying conditions, update Utah's EVS system so Adam is listed as your Recommending Medical Provider, and issue a 12-month card the same day.

Because you're already active in Utah's medical cannabis program, you receive a full 12-month card at your transfer visit and go directly to annual renewals — no 6-Month Follow-up needed. This is different from our new patient path, where the first card is valid for 6 months and requires a follow-up to extend.

What's the difference between a new patient and a transfer evaluation?

New patients receive a 6-month card and must return for a 6-Month Follow-up to extend it to a full year; transfer patients receive a 12-month card immediately and continue directly to annual renewals — no follow-up needed.

New Patient Evaluation ($99): For patients getting their first Utah medical cannabis (medical marijuana) card. You'll receive a 6-month card at this visit, then return for a 6-Month Follow-up to extend it to a full year.

Transfer Patient Evaluation ($99): For patients already active in Utah's medical cannabis program with another Recommending Medical Provider. You'll receive a 12-month card at your transfer visit and continue directly to annual renewals — no follow-up required.

Both visits are the same price ($99 + state fee) and both must be completed in person at our Orem office. The difference reflects that transfer patients are already established in the program and don't need the same clinical follow-up that new patients benefit from.

What if I'm moving to or from Utah?

If you're moving to Utah, you'll need a Utah medical cannabis card once you live here — at Solenta Wellness, that starts with a New Patient Evaluation. Utah's non-Utah resident card (opens in a new tab) is only for visitors who don't live in Utah. If you're moving away, whether your Utah card is recognized depends on the laws of your new state, so check with that state's medical cannabis program.

What happens if my medical cannabis card expires?

We can get your card active again the same day as your visit. The appointment you book depends on who your most recent provider was.

If Adam Toller was your most recent provider at Solenta Wellness, you'll book an Annual Renewal appointment. If your most recent provider was someone else, you'll book a Transfer Patient Evaluation.

Do I need to do anything before my first appointment?

Yes. If this is your first time applying for a medical cannabis card in Utah, you'll need to set up your Utah state account (Utah ID and EVS) before your appointment. The Utah ID gives you access to the state's Electronic Verification System (EVS), which is how your provider submits your recommendation and issues your card.

A few ways to set this up:

If you run into trouble, don't stress — just come to your appointment and we'll help you finish it there. You can also call us at 385-334-4800 with any questions.

New patients who book a visit also receive this information by email after booking.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Complete the intake forms we send you an hour before your appointment, and bring a card to pay the state fee. This applies to all appointment types — new patient, transfer, follow-up, and annual renewal.

The state fee is separate from your Solenta Wellness visit fee. If you'd like, we can help you make the state fee payment during your visit, or you can complete it yourself after you receive the state's email.

Why does the first visit have to be in person?

Utah law requires the first medical cannabis card evaluation to be conducted in person. Your follow-up and renewal visits can be done in person or via telehealth.

What payment methods do you accept?

Cash, debit, or credit. Payment is due at the time of service. We do not accept insurance.

What is the state fee?

The state fee is Utah's medical cannabis card fee. It's set by and paid to the State of Utah — not to Solenta Wellness — and it's separate from our visit fee. You'll pay it each time your card is issued, extended, or renewed: after your provider submits your certification in Utah's Electronic Verification System (EVS), the state emails you instructions to pay. If you'd like, we can help you make the payment during your visit, or you can complete it yourself after you receive the state's email. The state sets the amount and may change it, so your payment email will show the current fee. Learn more on Utah's Apply for a patient card (opens in a new tab) page.

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Some patients use HSA or FSA funds for medical cannabis evaluation visits. You are responsible for determining whether these expenses are eligible under your specific HSA or FSA plan. We make no representations regarding IRS eligibility. We can provide an itemized receipt on request.

When do I get my medical cannabis card?

Same-day. After Adam submits your recommendation through Utah's EVS, we print and laminate your card in the office, so you walk out with your card in hand. Utah doesn't mail physical cards — patients access them digitally through EVS — but we handle the printing and laminating for you so you can visit a medical cannabis pharmacy the same day as your visit.

Where do I buy medical cannabis after I get my card?

You purchase medical cannabis at a medical cannabis pharmacy. That's Utah's term for what many people call a dispensary, and you can use any Utah-licensed medical cannabis pharmacy. You will meet with a Pharmacy Medical Provider — a licensed pharmacist at the cannabis pharmacy — who will help you choose the right products and amounts. After an initial visit with the pharmacist (PMP), you do not have to have another consultation with a PMP again, even if you visit another Utah cannabis pharmacy. However, it is highly recommended that if you have future questions about cannabis products, you schedule an appointment with a PMP.

Are there guidelines for using medical cannabis (medical marijuana) in Utah?

Yes. Utah has published clinical guidance for patients using medical cannabis (also known as medical marijuana), including information on starting doses, routes of administration, and things to be aware of. If you're new to medical cannabis or want a refresher, we recommend reviewing Utah's General Use Guidelines (opens in a new tab).

At your appointment, we'll also discuss what may work best for your situation. If you have questions after your visit, you can always call us at 385-334-4800 or work with the pharmacist at your medical cannabis pharmacy.

Can I take my medical cannabis when I travel outside Utah?

No. Utah law allows cardholders to "possess or transport, in accordance with this part and the recommendation underlying the card, medical cannabis or a medical cannabis device," but that permission comes from Utah law and doesn't extend beyond Utah. See Utah Code 26B-4-213 (opens in a new tab) for the full text.

You can bring your Utah medical cannabis card with you when you travel. Whether another state honors it varies — each state sets its own policy on visiting patients. Check the destination state's medical cannabis program before you travel.

Is telehealth available for new and transfer patients?

All new patient and transfer visits are required by Utah law to be in person, unless the patient has a terminal illness, is on hospice, or is living in a care facility and is physically unable to attend in person.

Is telehealth available for follow-ups and renewals?

Yes. Your 6-Month Follow-up and Annual Renewals can be done in person or via telehealth — whichever is easier for you.

What if my condition isn't on the qualifying list?

Unfortunately, Utah law requires patients to have a qualifying condition to be eligible for a medical cannabis card.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or reschedule, we ask that you give us at least a 24 hour notice so we can offer the time to another patient.

What if I come to my appointment but I don't qualify?

We refund your Solenta Wellness visit fee if you're determined not to qualify for a medical cannabis card — either because Adam finds that medical cannabis isn't a fit for your situation, or because the state denies your card application after Adam's recommendation.

Outside of these two situations, our visit fee is non-refundable. If you have questions about your specific situation, please call us at 385-334-4800.

Can my insurance cover the visit?

Unfortunately, we do not accept insurance at this time.

Will medical cannabis show up on a drug test?

Yes. Having a Utah medical cannabis card does not protect you from workplace drug testing policies or other employment, legal, or housing consequences. Please consider this carefully before applying.

Have more questions? Get in touch.

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