Everything You Need to Know About Utah’s Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License
Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is now expanding with the addition of two independent medical cannabis pharmacy licenses to the 15 that are already operating in the State. With the application window closing on August 1, 2025, those seeking to apply should begin working on their applications as soon as possible.
Key Regulatory Dates
After several proposals, House Bill 54, “Cannabinoid Amendments” from the 2025 Legislative Session, was signed into law by the Governor in March and took effect on May 7. HB54 updates the hemp (Code Title 4, Chapter 41) and medical cannabis regulations (Code Titles 58 and 77). More importantly, it includes the instructions and requirements for issuing the two new Utah medical cannabis licenses in the state. UDAF that these provisions will expand access to medical cannabis in underserved areas across the state.
Rural Expansion of Medical Cannabis Pharmacies: The application period for the first license runs from July 1 to July 31, 2025, with the license expected to be awarded before January 1, 2026.
The second Utah medical cannabis pharmacy license will follow a different timeline in 2026 and will be awarded before January 1, 2027.
Eligibility Criteria
For this round, the Licensing Board will only allow new and unaffiliated businesses.
Applicants must:
- Have no financial ties to or ownership in a medical cannabis pharmacy in Utah
- Be in a designated medically underserved area, as determined by the Health Resources and Services Administration, and located in a 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th class county. (Applicants may utilize HRSA’s tool for easy identification.)
They also must meet basic eligibility criteria. All individuals must:
- Be at least 18 years old with no drug-related criminal record
- Consent to background checks
While entities with existing Medical Cannabis Pharmacy ties are excluded, UDAF makes considerations for:
- in-state processors and cultivars that do not have ties with a Pharmacy, and
- out-of-state processors, cultivars, and pharmacies.
Application Requirements for Medical Cannabis License in Utah
The only medical cannabis license in Utah for 2025 will be awarded to the highest-scoring applicant. To ensure operators are ready financially and operationally, each application must be evaluated and scored against specific criteria. It’s divided into three categories, as follows:
- Company Information
- Ownership information
- Company information
- A proposed site location (accessible to qualifying patients)
- Operating Plan
- Financial Plan
- Staffing and employment standards and procedures plan
- Inventory control and Record-keeping plan
- Sales processing plan
- Security plan
- Strategic plan
- Opening timeline
- Strategic opening plan
- Location Suitability
- Cost-efficiency plan
- Product Offering Details
- Accessibility for Patients
- Community connections
Scoring Criteria
Applications for Utah’s 2025 medical cannabis pharmacy license will be evaluated using a point-based system across three main categories: Company Information, Operating Plan, and Product Offering Details. Applicants must demonstrate strong organizational readiness, including complete ownership disclosures, a proposed location that serves patients in an underserved area, and financial and staffing plans. The Operating Plan is heavily weighted, with emphasis on inventory control, security, and a realistic, cost-efficient timeline to open. Additionally, applicants must detail how their product offerings will meet patient needs and connect with the local community. The highest-scoring application will receive the license.
Upcoming Changes to Utah’s Medical Cannabis Program
Following changes in HB54, applicants must also take note of these when preparing their requirements, especially for their operations plan:
- UDAF is hoping to regulate newly identified cannabinoids as needed.
- Reduction of provider fees. Patients now enjoy cheaper patient fees, while licensed medical providers can recommend cannabis without enrolling in a secondary registry.
- An online medical cannabis pharmacy in Utah must include a clear photograph of the product’s back panel on its official website. This will ensure consumers know the terpenes and compounds present before any purchase.
- Pregnancy warnings are now required on product labels.
What To Expect: Application Process and Fees
Applicants must follow a structured process through the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). Here’s what to expect:
- Create a UtahID Account
All applicants must register for a UtahID account in order to access and submit the application. - Submit Application via UDAF Grants Platform
Applications must be submitted online at: https://udafgrants.utah.gov/submit - Attestation Requirement
On the application form, you must agree (via checkbox) to provide one of the following if selected:- A $100,000 performance bond from an authorized surety company, or
- A $100,000 cash account with a licensed financial institution
- Pay Non-Refundable Application Fee
- $2,500 application fee, payable by check or credit card
- This fee must be submitted at the time of application
- Application Deadline
- July 31, 2025 is the final day to submit your completed application
- Scoring and Selection
- UDAF will evaluate all applications using a published scorecard
- Top-scoring applicants will be reviewed during the Board Meeting on October 9, 2025
- License Fee for Selected Applicant
- The selected applicant must pay a $33,500 pharmacy license fee for rural area operation
- The selected applicant must pay a $33,500 pharmacy license fee for rural area operation
- License Transfer Restriction
- Licenses cannot be transferred or sold for the first 15 years after issuance
By understanding and preparing for each of these steps, applicants can better position themselves for success during Utah’s competitive licensing process.
Why Work With CannDelta
CannDelta is a trusted regulatory and business consulting firm that specializes in cannabis licensing and operations. From eligibility to submission, our team will guide you through the entire Utah application process to help ensure your application is complete, compliant, and competitive. We understand the specific scoring criteria and operational requirements set by UDAF, and we’ll work with you to build a strong operating plan, secure the right location, and prepare for board review. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or an out-of-state business expanding into Utah, CannDelta can help you win.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Medical Cannabis Pharmacies Will Be Licensed This Round?
Utah will issue one pharmacy license in 2025 and one more in 2026. These are in addition to the 15 currently operating licenses.
What Is the Deadline to Apply for the 2025 License?
Applications must be submitted by July 31, 2025. The application window opened on July 1, 2025.
Can Out-Of-State Businesses Apply?
Yes. Out-of-state businesses may apply as long as they have no ownership or financial ties to an existing Utah medical cannabis pharmacy.
Does Utah Require Vertical Integration?
No. Vertical integration is allowed but not required. Businesses can apply for separate cultivation, processing, and pharmacy licenses.
What Types of Medical Cannabis Products Can Be Sold?
Utah allows the sale of:
- Flower (for vaporization only)
- Edibles (capsules, tablets, lozenges, etc.)
- Tinctures and sublingual oils
- Vaporizable concentrates
- Topicals and transdermal patches
All products must be labeled according to state requirements and sold through licensed pharmacies.
Do Cannabis Pharmacists Need a Special License in Utah?
Yes. A cannabis pharmacist must:
- Hold a valid Utah pharmacist license
- Register as a Pharmacy Medical Provider (PMP)
- Complete 4 hours of DHHS-approved continuing education
- Pay the applicable registration fee
Can A Utah Cannabis Pharmacy License Be Sold Or Transferred?
Not initially. A medical cannabis pharmacy license in Utah cannot be transferred for 15 years from the date it is issued.
