Salt Baked City magazine Vol.2 by Twede Photography Studio

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SUMMER 2021 U TA H

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P U B L I S H E R ’ S N OT E Welcome back to SALT BAKED CiTY, Utah’s premier cannabis news and culture magazine. It’s still a bit bizarre to breathe the words ‘cannabis’ and ‘Utah’ in the same sentence. But now that herb has been legal for over a year, I exhale these words with a prideful sigh of releaf. Throughout the past year we’ve witnessed something extraordinary in our community. During a time of devastation and havoc – when all seemed lost or impossible – medical cannabis has blossomed in this desert state like a rose. Less than a month after celebrating the grand opening of Utah’s first pharmacy, quarantine brought the country to a screeching halt. Businesses shut their doors one-by-one, jobs vanished at a Great Depression rate, schools were modern day ghost towns, and all hope seemed lost in the uncertainty of the looming virus and a crashing economy. But cannabis was more powerful than all of it. Although the momentum slowed, it didn’t deter our Utah cannabis community. We kept forging onward into the unknown – despite unnumerable setbacks – as the term, ‘high and dry,’ took on a whole new meaning. Over the past year, an industry worth of new jobs was created, business licenses awarded, new Utah cannabis brands emerged, and pharmacies began opening around the state. Cannabis was deemed essential, and our patient population grew by the thousands – all while those on Capitol Hill rolled their eyes in scorn, fear and resignation at the robustness of our state’s new ‘marijuana’ program.

the dollar almighty may turn out to be the reason more lives can be spared in the Behave State – rather than the more noble impulse of good for goodness sake. Baby steps. Cannabis is a survivor – just like the people it blesses. It has been evolving on this planet for an estimated 28 million years and can thrive in the harshest climates. This wondrous plant was first introduced to humankind on the Tibetan Plateau, when Chinese farmers discovered the plant’s hidden treasures like oil and fiber to make rope, clothing, and paper. Today, the ancient Chinese secret is out. And thank god for that. Cannabis in all its forms and uses may just save the planet. And you. There’s no stopping the Green Machine in Utah. This past year has been the joy of my life meeting many of the vital cogs that make this machine run smoothly. They’ve become my friends, colleagues, and confidants. This issue is dedicated to them – and to the countless others I have yet to meet. They have my loyalty and my appreciation. Because, like so many of you, cannabis has saved my life. Big thanks. We’re happy to be ghosts in the Green Machine with them – providing the ‘higher content’ nobody else in the state is comfortable bringing you.

In this issue

After spending close to $10 million in the month of April alone on medical cannabis products, Utah’s nearly 30,000 patient population caught the other attention of lawmakers who were dealing with a recession. Not at all surprising to this publisher,

Cole Fullmer Publisher Managing Editor

DANK DATA 2021

negotiating with terrorists

Utah Cannabis Patients and Profits

Legislative Session

UPDATE SPRING 2021 I SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE Page

Page

Read this first. BY EVAN LORD

Many families hope their kid will become a doctor or a lawyer. Practical ones would prefer a plumber, an accountant or a computer genius. The really smart parents want a kid with a pickup and a power rake.

Page

In this issue 12 Utah Dank Data of 2021:

Patients and Profits

16 Negotiating with Terrorists: Legislative Session Update 22 Setting Roots in Utah: Who’s Growing Weed in the “Behave” State 26 Blackmarket vs Pharmacy Products: An Honest Comparison 32 SBC Product Picks The Best of Utah Medical Cannabis 36 Dude, Where’s My Dab? The State of Extracts in Pharmacies 40 Meet Utah’s Medical Cannabis Pharmacies 46 Not all Heroes Bear Vapes Cannabis Delivery Comes to Utah 48 New Kid on the Bloc: Welcome St. George 50 The Green Exchange Cannabis Costs in Utah Compared to Other States

Nobody wants their kid to grow up knowing anything about pot, weed, reefer or cannabis, though. That has been, throughout time, the sketchy domain of the black sheep of the family nobody talks about. Until now. Today that kid is in higher demand than the sibling with the Ford F-150 with a lift gate.

I’m the Green Sheep of the family. Whenever a family member has a question about strains, potency and benefits of this newly-unlocked natural treasure, they come to me. Groveling. I know I’ve had a positive effect on my sainted 93 year-old, scripture-clutching, god-fearing mother because she recently told me of her friend, Agnes, who was busily dying in a local hospice. “The last time I saw her, she was at death’s door,” she said. “She had no appetite. It hurt her to move. We had all just given up the ghost for her. But today I saw a video of her laughing and dancing around.”

56 The Green Pharmacist Pharmacists are Fighting for your Rights

“And do you know what made the difference?”

62 Delta 8 THC: Promising or Perilous?

I perked.

68 A QMP’s Quest through 2020 73 Who’s Making Utah’s Medical Cannabis Products? 78 Compassionate Use Board Making Impact in Utah 80 Why Purchase Medical Cannabis Products in Utah? 84 Don’t Abandon Full Spectrum CBD Oil for THC 90 QMP Directory A List of Qualified Medical Providers 96 Pharmacy Map Where to get your Medicine

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“The marijuana,” she said slyly, but with the same intonation she uses when she says, “The BYU.” So, my hat’s off to all you Green Sheep out there. Now that cannabis is legal for medical use, it turns out having a weed expert in the geneology isn’t all that....baaaaaaad. P.S. I’m suddenly more popular than my over-achieving doctor/lawyer/accountant/ computer wiz brother with the pickup ever was. LOTS more popular.

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A big thanks to our

Contributors

OLiViA KULANDER WRiTER

DR. COREY ANDEN WRiTER

MARLEY COLT WRiTER

Cole Fullmer

Publisher Managing Editor SBC

saltbakedcity.com

MiNDY MADEO WRiTER

Evan Lord

Art Director Writer

Larson Quick

Editorial Writer

@saltbakedcity

TiM PiCKETT WRiTER

Adia L. Waldburger

Hannah Mae Popper

Pedro Padilla-Martinez

Copy Editor

Social Media Manager Writer

Product Reviewer Writer

@saltbakedcity

For more information contact: Cole Fullmer/ Managing Editor colefullmer@saltbakedcity.com. 385.256.3306 (direct)

All of your Smoke and Vape supplies H Large selection of vape juice and disposables Glass room and onsite glass blowing at SLC location COMING SOON! l o c at e d i n V i l l a g e S q u a r e 3 2 8 E a s t S tat e R o a d / P l e a s a n t G r o v E 8 0 1 . 8 9 9 . 2 6 5 4 6 8 0 S o u t h S tat e S t r e e t / S a lt L a k e C i t y 3 8 5 - 4 2 9 - 7 4 1 0

WRITER LARSON QUICK

UTAH DANK DATA OF 2021:

SALT LAKE COUNTY USERS TOP THE CHARTS BEGINNING IN MARCH 2020, data has been collected and published monthly by the Utah Department of Health regarding many facets of the Utah medical cannabis industry, including the number of patients, amount of cannabis biomass produced, revenue brought in by pharmacies and more. If the word “data” followed by a reference to a government entity is a turn-off, have no fear! Salt Baked City has sifted through the green data and is proud to present some of the points that are the most interesting and indicative of the future of Utah cannabis Patients. Where else can we begin but with the patient numbers? In April of 2020, about one month into the medical cannabis program, patients were in the low one-to-two thousands. By October, eight months into the program, that number had grown to over 13,681 patients. As of February of 2021, that number was over 23,000. No longer do Utahns need to feel alone in their cannabis use. With patients in every county in the state, the Green Scene continues to grow. Unsurprisingly, the counties with the highest number of patients are located along the highly-populated Wasatch Front. Salt Lake County tops the list with 11,997 patients, followed by Utah County at 4,851. Weber County edges out Davis County by a hundred patients with 3,544 and 3,441 card holders, respectively. There is no shortage of theories being floated as to why conservative Happy Valley has such a high number of card holders. Perhaps it’s an access and legality concerns issue, or maybe it’s because Utah County has all the good munchies spots.

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THE COUNTIES WITH THE LOWEST NUMBERS OF CANNABIS CARD HOLDERS are unsurprisingly and unfortunately, rural counties. These are counties where cannabis access, if it was available, would be a great boon in reducing opioid use and abuse. Piute County has the lowest number of registered patients with only two card holders. Daggett County has five patients holding down the Green Scene, while Garfield County goes up to eleven.

Salt Lake County tops the list with

11,997

patients, followed by Utah County at

The stark difference in patient numbers between so-called metropolitan and rural counties, even when scaled down for population size, is staggering. With more and more Qualified Medical Providers (QMPs) registering around the state, we can only hope more patients in rural counties will soon have access to a provider that can help them acquire a medical cannabis card.

4,851

WEBER CTY

3,544

DAVIS CTY

3,441

602

Rich

19 76

DAGGETT CTY

Morgan

SALT LAKE CTY

11,997

484

UTAH COUNTY

4,851

507

246

97 234

180

The overall number of QMPs has also shown significant growth since the beginning of the program one year ago. There are now 628 QMPs located across the state, housed in some 652 different operating locations. Some QMPs operate multiple locations, hence the existence of more operating locations than actual providers.

138 PIUTE CTY

WAYNE CTY

45 164

11 24

721

29,156 total active card holders 22,321 have renewed at least once

Again, it is obvious that the more populous areas of the state are garnering the most attention from QMPs as Salt Lake County alone has 276 offices, more than all other counties combined, with the exception of Utah county’s 228 provider locations. With a grand total of 504 providers in those two counties, the total number of all provider locations spread across the remaining 17 counties in the state is 148.

Source: Utah Dept. of Health Center for Medical Cannabis May 19, 2021

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UTAH DANK DATA OF 2021:

PRODUCTS AND SALES THE GROWTH in the Utah Medical Cannabis program since its inception is something both advocate and economist can appreciate. The upward growth trajectory continues month over month when looking at the numbers for biomass (cannabis) produced and products sold. Clearly, these trends will even out at some point, though that point is likely years away based on current circumstances. For now, we can revel in growth knowing that we are slowly getting steps closer to a fully legal and free cannabis market where anyone can make an effort to pull themselves up by their bud-lined bootstraps. Until then, we can look at the numbers of the medical cannabis program as our sextant, navigating the way to the ‘fiya future.’

The cannabis pharmacies that opened over the course of 2020 brought in a combined 200,722 transactions that totaled $25,979,244.68 in revenue (excluding device and educational material sales)

Looking at the monthly data, the amount of money spent on medical cannabis products increased every month of 2020 and that trend is likely to continue as patient numbers and available products grow. December ended 2020 with a record $4,299,355.50 in sales revenue while January of 2021 started the year off with a slight dip with over $3,800,000.00 in combined sales. Supplying this ever-growing demand are eight growers, mostly located in the Northern half of the state. The amount of cannabis biomass produced is a key indicator of the health of the cannabis program as this is where the medicine originates.

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With growers slowly increasing capacity and further expansions to grow facilities planned, we can assume that similar to the number of card holding patients and revenue intake, biomass production will continue to gradually increase for the next couple of years until market demand has leveled. According to the Department of Agriculture, the combined biomass produced from March 2020 to March 2021 by all growers was some 30,476.8 pounds – equating almost a pound per registered patient. Some may be wondering, “if so much was grown, why the frequent shortages of cannabis flower this past year?” Of course this wasn’t all sold to patients as raw flower, but was also processed into edibles, cartridges and the myriad of other medical cannabis products Utah patients have come to rely on. Since the beginning of the medical cannabis program, the products being produced and sold have also come a long way, both in terms of quantity and quality. During the first few months of the program, issues with supply and demand kept many patients reliant on out-of-state and blackmarket purchasing to meet their medicinal needs as cannabis flower and concentrates – two staple products – were hard to come by. This gradually changed through the summer and fall of 2020 and now these products are readily available at every cannabis pharmacy across the state. When we look at the numbers, it appears that in many ways the Utah Medical Cannabis program is finding its stride. Patients are discovering the relief they need and that is what the Medical Cannabis program should be most proud of. There will be more growing pains to come but Utahns now have another valid reason to affirmatively say,

“This is the place.”

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negotiating with terrorists Legislative Session

UPDATE

WRITER J.D. LAURITZEN

16 SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

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HINT:

They just tightened the squeeze on Utah’s cannabis entrepreneurs. Again.

AS HAS BEEN THE CASE DURING EACH LEGISLATIVE SESSION since medical cannabis was legalized in Utah, the 2021 legislative session saw a number of additional changes to Utah’s medical cannabis laws.

Of the three cannabis-related bills introduced by lawmakers during the session, two were passed and signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox. The first, SB 170 – Consumer Protection for Cannabis Patients, focused on patient access and medical provider recommendations. The second, SB 192 – Medical Cannabis Act Amendments, was aimed more specifically at Utah’s medical cannabis industry.

Spoiler alert:

J. D. Lauritzen is Utah’s leafy lawyer

MORE CHANGES

A third cannabis-related bill, HB 210 – Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis, which would have added opioid use disorder as a qualifying condition, failed to pass out of the

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House following its introduction. A hemp bill, SB 39 – Hemp Regulation Amendments, following its introduction. A hemp bill, SB 39 – Hemp Regulation Amendments, which passed through both houses of the Legislature, was vetoed by Governor Cox over concerns about, among other things, the proposal to authorize hemp flower sales in Utah.

Here is a recap of the changes to Utah’s medical cannabis laws coming out of the 2021 legislative session: SB 170, introduced by Utah Senate Minority Whip, Senator Luz Escamilla, focused primarily on medical cannabis patients and medical provider recommendations. For patients, the bill extends the period within which patients may. obtain their cannabis from another state to July 1, 2021. This includes the period between January 1, 2021 and the date on which SB 170 was signed into law by the governor. Also important for patients, beginning on September 1, 2021 (or possibly earlier), the Utah Department of Health is directed to issue a patient an electronic “conditional medical cannabis card” that shall be valid for the lesser of 60

18 SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

days or the day on which the Department issues a patient his or her medical cannabis card, denies a patient’s application for a medical cannabis card, or revokes the conditional medical cannabis card. The Department may only issue a conditional medical cannabis card to an individual applying for a medical cannabis patient card that does require the approval of the Compassionate Use Board. The same rights, restrictions, and obligations that apply to patient cardholders apply to those individuals that are issued a conditional medical cannabis card. SB 170 also allows the Utah Department of Health to revoke a medical cannabis card where the cardholder violates the Utah Medical Cannabis Act or is convicted under state or federal law of a felony or misdemeanor for drug distribution (after the bill’s effective date).

On the provider FRONT, SB 170 authorizes podiatrists to recommend medical cannabis as part of the individual’s podiatry practice and/or to register as a qualified medical provider (QMP). The bill also allows an individual that meets the “recommending qualifications” for medical cannabis in Utah to be recommended as a “limited medical provider.” This means the individual does not need to register as a QMP of medical cannabis for up to 15 patients under certain circumstances. For those providers wanting to function as a limited medical provider, he or she will need to follow similar rules and regulations

I SPRING 2021

THERE’S A LOT OF “LEGAL-ESE.” SO NO JUDGEMENT IF YOUR HEAD STARTS TO SPIN A LITTLE. THAT’S LIKELY THE OBJECTIVE.

LEGISLATORS APPEAR TO ENJOY AN

ALMOST MORAL OBLIGATION TO KEEP THE WHOLE PROCESS AS COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT AS POSSIBLE. ...ALMOST.

as registered QMPs but with some differences. A limited medical provider is required to communicate his or her recommendation through an order that a medical cannabis pharmacy may use to record the recommendation/renewal in the state’s electronic verification system. Such recommendation may be electronic or in writing, and it may contain directions of use or dosing guidelines (if not left up to a pharmacy medical provider or PMP). As it relates specifically to QMPs, on or before November 1, 2021, a QMP is required to report to the Utah Department of Health that the QMP, or the entity that employs the QMP, represents online or in printed material that the individual is a QMP or offers medical cannabis recommendations to patients. More importantly though, QMPs, or the entities that employ them, will be required to inform the Department the fee that the QMP charges a patient for a medical cannabis recommendation. The foregoing information will be made available on the Department’s website, along with the provider's name (or the name of the entity employing the QMP) and the address of the QMP’s office or the address of the entity employing the QMP.

Turning to the PMP portion of the bill, SB 170 requires that upon receipt of an order from a limited medical provider, a PMP is required to contact the limited medical provider’s office to verify the validity of the

recommendation. The PMP is then required to enter the limited medical provider’s recommendation or renewal, including any associated directions of use, dosing guidelines, or caregiver indication in the state’s electronic verification system. Additionally, if, in processing an order for an individual with a conditional medical cannabis card, the order appears irregular or suspicious, the PMP may contact the recommending medical provider or the provider’s office to verify the validity of the recommendation before processing the order. For producers, SB 170 makes some changes to the labeling requirements for cannabis flower and other cannabis products. For a container labeled before July 1, 2021, the container must contain a label that reads: WARNING: Cannabis has intoxicating effects and may be addictive. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. This product is for medical use only. Use only as directed by a qualified medical provider. For flower or a non-flower cannabis product that is labeled after July 1, 2021, the container must have a label that sets forth: WARNING: Cannabis has intoxicating effects and may be addictive. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. This product is for medical use only. Use only as directed by a recommending medical provider.

Continues on page 86 €

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3 0 5 4 s o u t h s tat e s t r e e t / s o u t h s a lt l a k e / 8 0 1 . 4 1 0 . 4 2 4 4

All Hail to our Green-Thumbed Local Heroes

in dispensaries under the name Good Sun and It’s been over a year since medical Flower. We recommend checking out cannabis cultivators have been able to set Modern roots legally in the ‘Behave State,’ and Lavender Jones, it’s been a favorite around SBC HQ. the high demand from the increasing patient Oakbridge Greenhouses is a family run population hasn’t given those awarded the greenhouse that has specialized in container garcoveted grow licenses time to breath – even dening since 1983. With their cultivation license, they now run a cannabis grow that has focused on their own sensi. Although our medical cannabis program is broken down into three separate groups: cultivation, processing, and pharmacy – growing the plant is where it all starts. The role of cannabis cultivator is perhaps the most straightforward of all the cannabis industry roles. You plant a seed, water it, and it grows. Badda bing, badda bang. It is called weed, ya know. At least, that’s how the joke goes. The reality is that the cultivator role is one requiring vast knowledge ranging from cannabis genetics, nutrient and soil chemistry, anatomy and a myriad of other skills both intuitional and learned. Perhaps this is why many can kind’a grow, while others grow da’kind. Utah has eight cannabis cultivators growing for the medical market. These grows are located in the northern-half of the state from Tooele to Brigham City, Garland to Springville. Each of these cultivators are their own entity and have taken a unique approach to grow cannabis biomass, which is delivered to the processors so it can then be sold to patients in a variety of different forms.

Harvest of Utah grows cannabis in Weber

county. The grow facility is run by Brittney Hunter, who with her Master’s Degree in Plant Science is bringing a unique and appreciated perspective to cultivation in the state. Harvest flower can be found

producing biomass for edibles and other processed cannabis products such as cartridges and salves. With a home base in West Valley, this grow is also expanding operations in Box Elder County. Oakbridge products can be found via the popular Hygge Chew edibles.

Standard Wellness grows rock-hard nugs that come in see-through containers. Their supply of cannabis is grown out of beautiful Corrine. Although this flower has been hard to find on pharmacy shelves during their first year of cultivation, strains like MAC, Deadhead OG, GG #4, and Durban Poison have left Utah patients wanting more and excited for future harvests.

Dragonfly Greenhouse has been supply-

ing Utah patients since medical cannabis was available in the state, and the bar was officially raised high. With a year under their belt, Dragonfly Greenhouse continues to grow that same quality herb in their Tooele location. They operate nearly 24,000 sq ft of canopy space and have plans to expand further this year.

True North Organics is located in

Weber County. As a consistent medical product supplier for Perfect Earth Pharmacies, the northern grower has risen to the task of supplying Ogden residents and supplied a variety of cannabis strains that have been sold as flower or processed into cartridges, edibles and more. True North’s recently

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released Frosted Sky strain is a highlight of the quality herb True North is growing.

Tryke has been one of the most steadily producing

ganja growers in the state with a variety of strains and products on pharmacy shelves at most times. With their facility in Tooele County, the Tryke team has grown cannabis using hydroponics, making them one of few in the state to use this method, and possibly a reason for their consistent bio-mass flow. Patients have appreciated the Nevada born company for growing strains of varying potency and craft, giving new and regular patients something to choose from when visiting their local pharmacy. Their grow operation has consistently been one of the top cannabis producers in the state with thousands of pounds grown to date. Space Monkey, Orange Zkittlez, Riesling, Refined Taste, and the fabled Khalifa Kush cartridges are among the many offerings Tryke has brought to Utah patients.

WholesomeCo grow is still in the developing

stages, but has been showing face at their flagship pharmacy located in Bountiful with sporadic flower releases. The WholesomeCo team has been focusing on strain research and building a state-of-the-art grow facility this past year. Although still in their infancy, they have produced some notable strains such as Grape Marmalade and Blue Dream. Keep your eyes peeled for more Wholesome products as their experienced team is set to ramp up production this year.

Zion Cultivars has grown unique, craft canna-

bis in the state from the beginning of their operation. Shawn Hammond and his team use living soil, craft genetics and heaps of combined cannabis growing experience to bring the fiya. At their brand new facility in Springville, the Zion crew is sure to continue crafting strains that will tantalize novice and mature consumers alike. Zion grown cannabis is also found distilled into tinctures and edibles. B S C

24 SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

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AVAILABLE AT DRAGONFLY WELLNESS

pharmacy Vs black market SOURCiNG YOUR SENSi SENSiBLY

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WRITER DR. COREY ANDEN

Despite cannabis legalization sweeping the country, a traditional market for the illicit plant has existed for thousands of years.

The cannabis plant originated in central Asia and has been traveling the world with humans ever since its discovery, being used for food, fiber, fuel, rituals and medicine. Cannabis was a legal commodity across the globe until prohibition in the early 1900’s. Suddenly all traditional market cannabis products were illegal, and the “black market” was born. With changes in attitudes and legalization of cannabis for medical and adult-use in most US states and many countries, the line between legal and traditional markets has become blurred. These days, cannabis can be obtained from a variety of sources in a multitude of interesting forms. In many cases, the only difference in products is whether they were obtained legally or illegally. The legal, or commercial market, is defined by legislation as a highly regulated and limited to cannabis products that are produced and procured in accordance with state and local laws governing cultivation, processing, dispensing, delivery and possession. The illegal or black market refers to cannabis products obtained by any other means. As a Qualified Medical Provider or QMP, I have met with hundreds of medical cannabis patients. As a physician recommending medical cannabis, safety and efficacy are my most important concerns. However, it is impossible to ignore the fact that most patients have already been con-

suming cannabis, technically obtained from illegal sources and often for many years, without adverse side effects although a small number have had legal issues. As we have seen from the failed “War on Drugs,” it is exceedingly difficult to regulate human behavior for nonviolent crimes, particularly when people are just trying to feel better. In my opinion, more education is key so that patients are empowered to best manage their health and wellness.

1. Safety An obvious advantage of the legal market is just that, being legal. Another advantage is safety. In most states, the legal market provides access to cannabis products that are tested, labeled and deemed safe for consumption through state-monitored dispensaries or pharmacies. The presence of mold, microbials, pesticides, heavy metals and residual solvents as well as cannabinoid and even terpene profiles are part of standard test protocols reported on a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch of products. The source of each product is traceable, so consumers can know where their cannabis came from, how it was grown and processed, and what the chemical contents are. For some people, this is an important factor in product selection, just like a wine connoisseur. In the illegal market, products are not guaranteed to have been tested and safety is uncertain. While some dealers may provide high quality products with COAs, many others offer products from dubious sources. There is always a possibility of fraudulent labeling, presence of

In the years preceding prohibition, you could purchase cannabis extracts in the Sears & Roebuck Catalogue Wishbook indeed

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contaminants and inaccurate information. The EVALI crisis of 2019 exposed the risks from inhalation of primarily black market vape cartridges containing dangerous additives which destroyed lung tissue and led to many deaths.

2. Selection The array of cannabis products and devices now available is mind-boggling. Most people are not even aware of how many options there are. Legal pharmacies offer a wide range of cannabis products – flower, vape cartridges, concentrates (resin, rosin, dabs, waxes, butane hash oil, FECO), tinctures, sprays, capsules, edibles, creams, salves, transdermal patches, suppositories – containing different percentages, milligrams and ratios of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids. They are staffed by educated and compassionate pharmacists and agents to help guide your selections. In the illegal market, you may have a limited selection, and you get what you get because that’s what is available. In the legal market, involvement of large growers and processors can allow high quantities of product with similar characteristics to be produced. But, if product selection differs every time you make a purchase, then it may still be hard to find the right medicine. One of the most interesting aspects of cannabis as medicine is that most any product has efficacy for the majority of patients, and it is more about finding the most optimal products.

3. Privacy, Expense, Convenience

4. Environmental and Social impact

Many people are comfortable obtaining cannabis from family, friends, or dealers in the illegal market. After all, this had been the only market for almost 100 years. Despite not having any regulation or oversight, no reported deaths from natural cannabis have ever been reported.

In legal pharmacies, strict packaging requirements create a considerable amount of waste. Packaging must be sealable, tamper proof, child-resistant, and labeled. Products on the black market have no such requirements but may still have extra packaging if obtained from a legal market in another state. The environmental consequences of tons of non-recyclable waste are concerning.

These consumers prefer the private interaction and ease of obtaining products, often at a lower cost. Others, especially those new cannabis as medicine, are only interested in legal purchases and are willing to obtain their medication from a store as they would with any other medication. In Utah, pharmacies have opened across the state providing access within driving distance for most consumers. However, those familiar with the illegal market complain that the costs of products from the pharmacies are too expensive. In the legal market, licenses and taxes to grow, process and distribute can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Large scale warehouses have high overhead expenses for electricity, lights, equipment, and staff, and these costs are transferred to the customers. In many legal states including California and Colorado, the black market still accounts for up to

80 %

of cannabis-related revenue.

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In the legal market, high costs of operation often favor large corporation oversight. Employees are part of the local economy, but decisions are made by corporate management and shareholders. Many small business owners are forced to operate in the illegal market, whether as small artisanal growers and processors, or as traditional dealers. State regulations can help by supporting both large and small business ventures with tiered licensing fees and providing economic support for minority owned businesses. SBC

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Disadvantages: expensive, must disclose personal information, lots of packaging, typically limited to indoor-cultivated products

Disadvantages: Illegal, unregulated products, limited selection

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Shatter

Candy Margy from Zion Cultivars

Farmer’s Blend from Fruit of Life

At 24-27% THC, and just about bursting with terpenes, this flower is sure to please even the seasoned medical cannabis patient.

The first shatter to hit Utah shelves is this golden, bright, “Fruit of Life” Shatter.

Her effects first present themselves as uplifting and stimulating for the mind, and shift to become balanced, soothing, and relaxing for the body as they send you into a state of complete serenity.

Salt Baked City Picks the Winners We’ll admit, we really have it rough. Getting to test the best of the best of the best in Utah cannabis is a sweet duty. And, as they say, someone has to do it. But don’t take our word for it. Try these superior products for yourselves. Let us know if you agree.

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This snappy concentrate has strong pine and citrus notes, which are sure to brighten up any mood. The effects boast a strong cerebrally uplifting psychoactive experience, yet body relaxing, for a nice, balanced hybrid feeling.

Medical Cannabis Concentrate

Cartridge

Salve

RSO Dart from The Solid

Acapulco Gold from Jilu

Dose Salve from Boojum

As a full spectrum active cannabis concentrate, it can be consumed orally, directly from the dart, and even rubbed on the skin and absorbed transdermally.

The sativa-leaning affects are sure to energize and excite – one of the many reasons Acapulco Gold has become such a legendary strain.

The Dose Muscle Rub is a minty/menthol aromatic balm with a light consistency, similar to a lotion and packs 185-mg of THC.

Expect flavors that are somewhat earthy, perhaps reminiscent of caramelized hash. Jilu uses CO2 to process their cartridge oils so you can say goodbye to distillate aftertaste once and for all! P.S. Jilu is pronounced, Heal You.

This is a great product for new users who prefer to start with cannabis products that are noninhaled. The THC also does not enter the blood stream so there is no risk of a head change if you prefer that.

The quick edible onset time of 30-60 minutes combined with the duration of about six to eight hours makes this a product befitting any patient with persistent symptoms.

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INE

The Best of Utah Edibles

Tincture

Dragon Bites from Dragonfly

Space Monkey Oral Spray Boojum

The Dragonbites 400mg by Dragonfly Wellness is a welcome addition to the cannabis cube scene that I have really grown to appreciate. They offer a variety of flavors such as strawberry and mango peach.

Boojum has crafted an oral spray that delivers 2.5-mg of THC per spray, with 400-mg of THC per bottle. Space Monkey is known as a strain that can be used throughout the day. The onset begins with an uplifting mindset that graduates to a steady calm. Space Monkey offers accurate dosing that can be delivered in a discrete way.

As pleasant as the taste is, the effects are even pleasant...er.

Weed Nerds! If you have a new cannabis consumption method under development, we’re keeping a space open for you.

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If you live east of Parley’s Canyon, get your card a lot closer to home We’re just a hop, skip and a jump away in Heber City. And with the lowest card cost in the area, it’s worth the drive from wherever you are. We serve the Wasatch Back and Front with a comprehensive suite of healing modalities honoring the most effective eastern and western medical philosophies and practices.

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WRITER PEDRO PADILLA-MARTINEZ

concentrates,

Some patients are even asking, “is it legal here?” and “why don't you guys have any dab?’”

kevin carter Life Elevated

The answer to those questions are, “yes, it is legal and there have been some extracts for sale in Utah’s market.” However, the extracts have been limited as Utah’s flower supply is still catching up. The lack of dab-able extracts in the market has driven patients to mostly rely on vape cartridges and other products like the RSO from Standard Wellness, and the Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) from Life Elevated. Although vape cartridges and products like RSO are technically extracts, they are not the type that patients are familiar with when it comes to extracts that are meant for dabbing. Patients want to see extracts that one can scoop and dab onto their dab rig or electronic vaporizer.

Narith Panh Dragonfly Wellness

Narith said. “Limited supply of product that's coming. Most of the product that does come out, is all reserved directly for either flower, vapes or other products because those are some of the biggest categories in the market right now. Concentrates, in most markets, are usually less than five-percent of sales. So it’s a smaller market, even though it's still a growing and trending market”. Narith also mentions that “creating high quality extracts is more than just picking flower that grows, you have to grow very specific strains. You’re not just picking anything. Most growers weren't even planning to grow products specifically for concentrates and extracts”.

“As far as concentrates go, the lack of flower coming into processing has been our biggest hurdle to why we haven't had any rosins or live resin.” said Kevin, when asked why there has been a lack of

Given this challenge of lack of supply, it’s going to take a couple of months until cultivation catches up to the point where patients can expect to see a variety of extracts. SPRING 2021 I SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

only consistent dabbable concentrate on the market. Currently available for purchase at 120 dollars per gram at WholesomeCo and is now available in a small puck instead of a syringe to make it easier for dabbers.

“As soon as we start getting flower, which we’ve started to see some more from Dragonfly and Tryke, we can start to do a lot more rosin,” said Carter. “It’s going to be awesome because we have some very good formulas for that. We’ve done really small test batches to make sure we can produce what we want to produce and it’s golden and it’s going to be good”. Narith specifically mentioned that the reality is going to be closer to the end of the year. “Not until other cultivators start producing in big amounts can then other companies like us or Tryke start flipping our production and planning it for concentrates because it takes a significant amount of biomass for us to be able to dedicate to concentrates,” he said. “What our future plans are, is we want to dedicate at least 10 percent of our biomass, specifically for cultivars that are meant to go to fresh frozen so we can have those live rosins, and those other extracts, because we need to have fresh frozen. So, of course, that takes time. So that's why I'm saying realistically, we won't have a consistent supply of concentrates in the market until towards the end of this year.”

Boojum has so far had three release drops of their Mother Liquor Hash Rosin. Meanwhile, Life Elevated extract is sold under the subbrand Jilu FECO, and has been the

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“We use our CO2 extracted butter. We do a light filtration to get out the waxes, lipids, and unfavorables that you don’t want when you’re vaping or ingesting. And then we go through a couple of our proprietary filtrations, “ said Kevin, describing the process of making the FECO. “Everything we keep in vacuum-low temperatures. That way we’re not degrading but we’re keeping all those minor cannabinoids that a lot of people will heat off and evaporate off. We don’t want that, we want to keep everything in there.”

> “That’s why I’m proud of our FECO. And that’s why you’re starting to see a lot of CBG. Because CBG with THC is such a wide array of help and benefits when combined with THC,” he said. “When we’re doing our full spectrum FECO, because of our CO2 extraction, and our low temp, we’re able to keep the clarity without having to go to a distillate. We try not to use full out distillation. With full out distillation, that’s how people are getting their high THC. That’s why ours stay in the 80s range. We do what we call our fine line, so basically riding that fine line of going full distillate and still keeping all our minors.” Kevin also mentioned that Life Elevated has plans to roll out other cannabinoid-based concentrates that are dabbable. For example, CBD and CBG dabs instead of high THC dabs. B S C

head space: EACH BUDDHA BAND HAS A HIDDEN POUCH FOR A CRYSTAL, YOUR CASH OR YOUR STASH!

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Cannabist: pure perfection and great selection.

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LARSON QUICK & COLE FULLMER WRITERS

Meet Utah’s New Cannabis Pharmacies Perfect Earth Modern Apothecary operates two pharmacy locations, one in Logan and a second in South Ogden. As the second and third cannabis pharmacies to open in the state respectively, these locations have been serving Utah patients since the Spring of 2020. In addition to being some of the earliest cannabis pharmacies to open, both Perfect Earth locations are located in Northern Utah and have been the mainstay medical cannabis suppliers to some six counties. Perfect Earth’s location in Logan is only minutes away from main area attractions such as Utah State University and is conveniently located just north of the Cache Valley Mall. The location is well-designed and comfortable, with a pleasant waiting area. Knowledgeable staff, consistently available product and generally low wait times make this your best bet for bud in Cache County. The South Ogden location, situated on the west side of Wall Ave at 3775 S., is a mainstay for those in the Ogden metropolitan area. With some of the best window lighting of any cannabis pharmacy, this Perfect Earth location carries an uplifting, yet hip, vibe. Avoid wait times by ordering online and picking up in store or in the drive-thru. And remember, True North cannabis products are found exclusively at Perfect Earth pharmacies so make sure to stock up when you stop by.

Amenities: online ordering, online menu with updated product availability, drive through and instore pickup Ogden Easter Egg: While you’re in the area make sure to make a stop at Mountain Donut for fresh donuts and then take a wander at one of Ogden’s many easily accessible hikes and parks, such as the 29th Street trailhead.

Dragonfly Health and Wellness holds the distinguished position of being the first medical cannabis pharmacy to open in Utah. Dragonfly is also locallyowned and operated. With their location in downtown Salt Lake City at 711 South State Street, Dragonfly continues to be an anchor to thousands of medical cannabis patients. In addition to providing medical cannabis, the Dragonfly team is committed to community and has put that commitment to show that multiple times over this past year with various service projects and initiatives. Those interested in getting involved in the Dragonfly community can visit the “Community” tab on their website for upcoming events and opportunities. Purchasing medical cannabis has also never been easier at Dragonfly with their use of Hyper, a digital payment platform that eliminates the need for cash payment.

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WholesomeCo is the first Utah cannabis pharmacy to offer delivery to their customers.

Dragonfly also has the convenience of online ordering as well as drive-thru pickup. Thus, assuring patients that the early days of the cannabis program with its long lines, text alerts and the like, are starting to be behind us. Amenities: online ordering, online menu with updated product availability, drive through and instore-pickup, Hypur Easter Egg: Head a couple miles south on State Street to heart of the Utah Greenscene at Moonlight Garden Supply and Looking Glass galleries for the rest of your greenery supplies!

Wholesome Co. Cannabis may be the most seen cannabis pharmacy in Utah with their Bountiful location, including a beautiful green medical cross, abutting I-15 at 580 West 100 North. The pharmacy is located north of Costco in the old Carr Printing building. After walking inside, you are greeted by a friendly security officer and escorted into the pharmacy. The chalkboard product menus invoke a clean, coffee shop feeling. Open seven days a week, WholesomeCo offers respite when other cannabis pharmacies may be closed. With online ordering as well as delivery coming online, medical

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cannabis access in Davis County has never been easier. WholesomeCo also has their own line of cannabis flower that is most consistently found at their pharmacy. Check out their website for delivery availability as well as updated product information. Amenities: online ordering, online menu with updated product availability, delivery, drive through and instore pickup, Hypur Easter Egg: pickup your supplies then head across the street to Costco for more supplies, cheap pizza and people watching. Or, drive a couple minutes up the road to Vito’s for the best Philly Cheesesteak in Utah.

Deseret Wellness has two cannabis pharmacy locations, servicing patients from Park City to Provo. Being the first medical cannabis pharmacy in conservative Provo is surely an accomplishment, especially considering that the first and only Starbucks location opened in Provo not two years ago. The Deseret Wellness team is committed to bring quality medicine to Utah patients, wherever they may be. The Provo Deseret Location is a stone’s throw from I-15 and almost as easy to access. Expect a friendly staff, clean and spacious location.

Those who are unfamiliar with cannabis culture will feel completely at ease in this welcoming cannabis pharmacy. Provo Easter Egg: heading down Main St. opens a number of culinary opportunities like Hruska’s Kolaches. Remember, the Provo sweet tooth is equally kind to the sinner as to the saint

displayed throughout the pharmacy waiting area patients are able to window shop prior to approaching the register. Patients will also appreciate the ample parking available in addition to the quick and convenient access right off I-80. Amenities: online ordering with in store pickup, online menu, ATM onsite, drive-thru

Park City welcomed its first legal cannabis when Deseret Wellness opened the doors to their location at 1351 Kearns Blvd., Suite 110-B. Descending down to the stairs to the dispensary, you are greeted with an evergrowing smell -- green. A comfortable waiting area and a sales floor with plenty of space will make anyone feel comfortable on their medicinal run. Informational fliers on terpenes, cannabinoids and cannabis use can be found, and taken home, in the waiting area. Amenities: online ordering, ATM onsite, online menu with update product availability, Hypur

BLOC Pharmacy was founded by civil rights attor-

Park City Easter Egg: wander next door to the Kimball Arts center to gawk at local art then grab a bite at Sammy’s Bistro a block away. Oh yeah, skiing anyone? This is Utah’s only pharmacy location within a five-minute drive to the ski slope.

Bloom Medicinal is making their Utah debut with

Curaleaf is the basecamp to cannabis in the Silicon Slopes with the pharmacy at 3633 North Thanksgiving Way in Lehi. As a national cannabis company, Curaleaf seeks to bring safe cannabis medicine to patients who need it. With 101 locations in 23 states you can count on Curaleaf being a force to reckon with in the future of Utah Medical Cannabis. Amenities: open 7 days a week, online ordering with instore pick up, online menu with current product selection Easter Egg: exit 288 off I-15 not only takes you to Curaleaf, but also leads to a myriad of lunch and dinner spots. Spitz, Mo Bettas, Cubby’s and more are all within minutes from Curaleaf making exit 288 your stop to stock up on both cannabis and support locally-owned restaurants.

Beehive Pharmacy located off I-80 in Salt Lake at 1991 South 3600 West has quickly become an established name in the Utah cannabis game. With experience running cannabis pharmacies across the western U.S., the Beehive Pharmacy team is here to bring modern cannabis vibes to local patients. With products clearly

neys in 2014 and since then they have incorporated the principles of justice and equity to cannabis medicine. With grow facilities and dispensaries located across the country, the Justice Grown team seeks to bring quality products to patients everywhere. In order to keep giving back, the Justice Grown team makes moves to contribute to local and national causes. One way is through offering a paid volunteering program. Making it even easier for employees to give back to the communities they live in and love. Locations in South Jordan and St. George.

a location in Cedar City. With locations in Ohio, the Bloom Medicinal team seeks to bring the quality reputation they have developed in the med-west to Utah. Located at 301 S. Main Street in Cedar City this location is sure to become a favorite for patients across Iron County and Southern Utah generally. With a focus on compassionate care, education and community outreach the Bloom Medicinal team has their sites set on helping patients find the relief they need through cannabis. Amenities: online menu

Cannabist is known across the United States as a trusted name in cannabis. With locations from Arizona to Delaware the Columbia Care team has vast experience and expertise in the cannabis space. 484 S 1750 W, Springville. When you step foot into a Cannabist pharmacy, you can expect an uncomplicated shopping experience, even if you aren’t sure where to start.Their day is complete when they’re able to help a medical patient find their perfect cannabis match. 484 S 1750 W, Springville.

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super convenient

WholesomeCo Cannabis Delivers They became the leader in cannabis home delivery faster than a speeding Prius

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Currently, WholesomeCo Cannabis is located in West Bountiful and accessible online at www.wholesome.co. They have completed thousands of home deliveries, and are currently expanding operations to increase available delivery days and times in each region they service. WholesomeCo’s home delivery service is accessed by registering as a patient and ordering online at www.wholesome.co. Patients are able to choose the day and time they prefer their delivery, up to 6 days in advance. More days and times are available in more populated counties, and at least one day of the week is available to 99% of the statewide patients in the medical cannabis program. In total, they are live and accepting delivery orders in 311 Utah zip codes and 23 counties, making their offering the most widely accessible method to purchase medical cannabis as a patient. "Patient convenience has always been our top priority as a company. And for us, this starts with scaling delivery and offering more availability each week, at a fair price,” said Chris Jeffery, co-founder and CEO of WholesomeCo. “Furthermore, the patients who order home delivery also put a high value on discretion and the ability to shop and buy from the comfort of their own home. As such, our vehicles are unmarked, providing the patients of Utah the most convenient and discreet option to purchase medical cannabis.” While they continue to work through some early challenges. Jeffery and the WholesomeCo team remain focused and committed to delivery, supported by their physical pharmacy just off the I-15 interstate in Bountiful.

As WholesomeCo continues to build out delivery as a core competency, they are also growing the cultivation and processing aspects of their business, driven by product selection and consistent availability of products. Eventually, WholesomeCo projects being one of the few operators in the state to have the complete supply chain built out, enabling them to provide better, more accessible patient-facing services like home delivery. Now that they’ve accomplished statewide access to home delivery, they will work backwards from patients' needs and desires, and continue to find ways to match those needs. “Patients’ needs define what we do and how we do it,” said Jeffery. “Early on, we knew there was a gap in patients' ability to access cannabis in various parts of the state. We’re thrilled to be set up to serve more of the patients in those areas through home delivery.”

WholesomeCo Delivers

Just a few months ago, Wholesome Co's leadership worked with the Utah Dept. of Health to design and launch the first medical cannabis home delivery in the state.

"Delivery isn't possible without the foundation we’ve built at the store,” said Jeffery. “Our retail store is responsible for all the inventory a patient can order for home delivery. The team at the store is responsible for all patient related consultations and assistance in buying. On top of that, the staff at the store also processes and packages all the orders being sent out for delivery. Without that team operating at a high level, delivery wouldn't be possible.”

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Justice Cannabis Co., brought BLOC cannabis dispensary to the Beehive State and have dedicated themselves to promoting the best of cannabis culture.

new kids on the

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Bloc Pharmacy wants you to feel good!

The inside of the store is bright and easy to navigate. Regulars enjoy chatting with the Bloc staff members. These relationships help the associates learn their customer’s needs.

“We are here to support you in clearing your mind, exploring your creativity, finding a healthier way of living, and becoming the best version of you.”

“Our employees are passionate about what they do. Whether you're new to the world of cannabis and need guidance or recommendations or a legacy user looking for a friendly conversation about the latest strains, they're eager to chat.”

Bloc Pharmacy was founded on the principle of helping others stay in, “blazingly good spirits.” Their motto is based on their ideals of being their best every day, and doing their best for the communities we serve. “At the heart of our company, we're a bunch of cannabis explorers looking to share our wealth of knowledge and years of experience with people of all different backgrounds and familiarity,” said a Bloc Pharmacy representative. “We believe in doing good, and sharing this philosophy with others so that together, we can cultivate a better world around us.” The Pharmacy Experience When a customer visits Bloc Pharmacy, they have three shopping options – online ordering and expedited pickup, an in-store self-service kiosk or working in-person with a patient care associate. These associates can answer questions, make product recommendations or place an for the customer. With two locations in Utah in South Jordan and St. George, Bloc Pharmacies are surrounded by many other businesses in both of their locations, so customers can make a day of shopping when they stop in for their green goodness. “We pride ourselves on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that is comfortable and casual.”

Bloc offers an easy check-in and checkout process designed to make it a short and effortless transaction. With a cashless debit payment option (coming soon), customers don’t need to waste any time at the ATM withdrawing cash. They also feature ample parking. Bloc Pharmacies are open seven days a week. Their hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Bloc Products Bloc strives to offer inclusive pricing so that is accessible to all customers. They offer a wide variety of products from brands such as Tryke, Jilu and Boojum. Their inventory includes flower, vaporizers, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, and edibles. They also offer frequent discounts and sales as well. Bloc also offers a return policy. Defective products may be exchanged or returned for store credit within 7 days of purchase. The Difference Bloc Offers Bloc feels it is important to be aware of and sensitive to the reason their customers are seeking cannabis. Some are dealing with very serious health issues and the pharmacy is committed to supporting their customers as much as they can. “We take pride in everything we do right because we're obsessed with having an impact on people's lives,” said Bloc rep. “That's why we started this company, and why we continue to work hard evolving our business model to best serve your needs.” B S C

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WRITER LARSON QUICK

The Green Exchange Utah Cannabis Costs Compared to Other States 50 SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

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One of the concerns most frequently brought up by patients is the cost of the medical cannabis products.

MISSISSIPPI

$ 22 PER GRAM

Many people have assumed that the cost of Utah products is much higher than products in other states. In some cases, they are correct.

MONTANA

$ 10 PER GRAM

Many people have assumed that the cost of Utah products are much higher than products in other states. In some cases, they are correct. What might be surprising, is where Utah prices fall when compared to other medical and even some recreational states. Looking at the compared costs of flower and vaporizer cartridges across many of these states helps to paint the picture. The cost of a gram of flower is a fine place to start comparing. UTAH In Utah the average price of top-shelf $ flower is $16 per PER GRAM gram while bottomshelf flower comes in at $11. Of the 19 states with medical programs surveyed Utah was in 11th place, with Montana being least expensive at $10 per gram and Missouri being the most expensive at an average of $22 per gram. The average price per gram of the 10 states with lower prices than Utah was $13.10 for top-shelf flower, about $3 less per gram that Utah top-shelf.

Bottom-shelf buds don’t get the attention of the higher buds nevertheless they constitute a large amount of the cannabis consumed on a daily basis by patients. Comparing bottom-shelf bud prices showed Washington, D.C. winning the price war with $6 per gram, fairly decimating Missouri and Hawaii at $18 per gram average. SPRING 2021 I SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

Utah’s average price of $11 per gram puts the state in ninth out of 19 places. All of this shows that Utah sits somewhere in the midst of the pricing pack, at least in regard to cannabis flower. Vaporizer cartridges are an increasingly popular way to consume cannabis and, unsurprisingly, make up a large amount of the product available on pharmacy shelves. The price of cartridges can cause some sticker shock, when you are paying $55 or so for a tiny .5 gram cartridge. Despite this, Utah again falls in the middle of the pack with an average price 11 cents per milligram for THC. New Hampshire cartridges are the most expensive at 17 cents per milligram. Oklahoma appears to blow the competition out of the water with an average price per milligram of 5 cents. Out of the 21 medical cannabis programs compared for the vaporizer pricing, Utah finished in eighth place. Consider also the tax laws and other factors determined by each state that influence the price of cannabis. The stringent regulation of Utah’s medical cannabis program does indeed affect the cost of the end product. Utah does not tax medical cannabis sales at a percentage but

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rather a flat fee of $3, which depending on the amount of product you purchase can be a positive or negative. Considering nearby states of Nevada and Colorado have cannabis sales taxes in the 20 percent, Utah is doing ok. The price of cannabis products in Utah could certainly use some... massaging. Being in the middle of the pricing pack doesn’t necessarily mean that the medicine is affordable. As more growers become fully operational and products consistently available, the cannabis community hopes that prices will come down. The prospect of home grown goods seems to be in the distant future, but is another option that would help ease the financial burden of purchasing medicinal cannabis. In spite of this, having medicinal cannabis in Utah is something many of us never thought would happen, let's keep that spirit of progress going! B S C

Thank you to the Dragonfly Wellness team for sharing much of the price comparison data referenced in this article.

Out of the 21 medical cannabis programs compared for the vaporizer pricing, Utah finished in

8th place.

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Schedule an appointment to meet with a Qualified Medical Professional (QMP)

UtahGreenCard.com MEDiCAL CANNABiS CARD $175 Individuals with the following conditions are authorized under the Utah Medical Cannabis Act to receive a medical cannabis patient card:

CALL: 801.615.2188

Chronic Pain / Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD / Cancer / Autism / Cachexia Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis / Alzheimer’s Disease / Terminal Illness / MS Hospice Care / Epilepsy or Debilitating Seizures / HIV/AIDS / Persistent Nausea Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Persistent and Debilitating Muscle Spasms Chronic Pain (Pain lasting over two weeks) / A Rare Condition or Disease Utah Qualifying Conditions (26- 61A-104)

Hospice/Terminally Ill Home Visit

Call to Schedule: 801.615.2188

WRITER MINDY MADEO

Pharmacists are Fighting for Your Right to Safe and Legal Access

THE GREEN

The pharmacist role in the Utah cannabis pharmacy

responsibility of ensuring compliance with Utah cannabis law.

In Utah, a pharmacist is required to be in the cannabis pharmacies during business hours. Each patient new to the medical cannabis program is required to have a one time pharmacist consultation. Pharmacists educate and answer questions as a free service to patients. All of the pharmacists interviewed can tell stories that would bring a tear to a person’s eye because many people with debilitating conditions are finding success through cannabis as a medicine.

New cannabis laws and rules

The cannabis industry agrees that pharmacist consultations have been a great benefit to many. We spend years learning about dosing, drug delivery and dosage forms. Pharmacists, including myself, are now transitioning this knowledge to help patients discover how to best use cannabis, which is a natural and welcomed transition to many pharmacists. We are trained to manage complicated medication profiles by screening for drug interactions, duplication of therapy, and improper dosing. We empower patients to learn how to select products, safely medicate with cannabis, limit side effects, and manage tolerance. Pharmacists also have the legal

A binding recommendation is essentially an order or a prescription. So why do our laws use the word recommendation instead of prescription? Because it is not federally legal for providers to prescribe or order cannabis. The First Amendment right to free speech does allow providers to suggest or recommend cannabis and this is the foundation for all state medical cannabis programs.

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According to new rules passed in Senate Bill 192, pharmacists will now review each medical cannabis transaction before dispensing in accordance with pharmacy practice standards. The Utah Health Department has also interpreted recommendations from providers to be binding, meaning the pharmacy and patient are both forced to follow these recommendations exactly.

Senator Evan Vickers, the sponsor of Senate Bill 192, agrees. “We do not want our program to follow a prescription model. I recognize that medical cannabis is a recommendation model

PHARMACIst MiNDY MADEO is a medical patient and Utah cannabis pharmacist pursuing a Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics Masters degree from the University of Maryland College of Pharmacy. she is currently working as a cannabis pharmacist at beehive farmacy in brigham city

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as per the way the federal law has allowed medical cannabis to move forward,” he said. Dispensing and prescribing cannabis also violate state laws such as the Utah Controlled Substance Act that places medical providers and pharmacists that work in cannabis at legal risk. Prescribing and dispensing cannabis also expose them to liability issues in an environment where it is nearly impossible to get cannabis malpractice insurance. Not only can our lawmakers not use the word prescribe, the Health Department should avoid implementing rules that create a program that mimics prescribing. Unfortunately, this is exactly what’s happening now in Utah. Why is the Health Department designing a medical cannabis program that places our providers at legal risk? That’s a good question. The Health Department has told me that lawmakers intent is that cannabis pharmacies operate like a retail pharmacy where cannabis is dispensed like any other controlled substance. Their vision is a program where a medical provider recommends cannabis as a specific product or dosage form and the pharmacy dispenses exactly what’s recommended with specific directions of use on the label. State leaders look to Connecticut and Minnesota as examples of states that use pharmacists in their medical cannabis programs. To better understand how other states are utilizing pharmacists, I reached out to a few people working in those states. “Patients in Connecticut have the right to choose all products, dosing and delivery methods themselves,” said Connecticut Pharmacist Brian Essenter.

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Melanie Kane, Minnesota Pharmacist and President/Co-Founder of the International Society of Cannabis Pharmacists, added that, “Minnesota doctors have no role in the selection of cannabis dose, ratio, or route of administration. Doing so would risk their DEA license.” No other state operates a program that treats cannabis as a prescription like Utah is attempting.

The problem with low cannabis limits Part of the design of our current cannabis program is the medical provider sets limits based on their recommendations. Rigid dosing is not recommended to calculate limits and currently there are no tests a doctor can perform to determine how much cannabis each patient will require. Some patients have a lower endocannabinoid tone or higher tolerance and require a much larger dosage. How exactly are medical providers selecting these limits? Cannabis dosing requires trial and error because effects vary for each individual with different dosage forms and chemovars. Patients need to try multiple products until they find their ideal medicine. Limits are of course necessary to prevent diversion, which is why there are state limits. Pharmacists honor any restrictions from medical providers but often these limits seem arbitrary and only in place because they believe the health department wants to see them. It’s more common that strict limits interfere with patient success than actually keeping patients safe. I encourage people to look up their limits on the EVS website and ask

their medical provider to increase them if they feel they are so low they won’t allow people to medicate properly.

Patients should have the right to select their dose and dosage form “Ideal cannabis dosing requires continuous patient adjustment in dose and dosage form. Under my guidance I empower my patients to make their own decisions that lead to the best outcomes,” said Utah physician and experienced cannabis educator, Corey Anden. Cannabis experts agree there are no rigid dosing guidelines and patient involvement in product selection and dosing is the proper way to medicate. Healthcare providers across the country are finally starting to seek to involve and empower patients in their treatment plans yet Utah is moving in the opposite direction for their medical cannabis patients. Cannabis is not the best fit for everyone, but once you have a medical recommendation you should have the autonomy to select your cannabis product. I have asked the health department, medical providers, and many pharmacists to describe a situation where a patient was harmed because they purchased a product not recommended by their provider. I have yet to hear a single example. The increased costs of more regulation and more pharmacists may translate to higher prices and lower quality of care.

Recent legislative changes could result in pharmacies needing 3-4 pharmacists at all times to follow requirements that a pharmacist review each transaction and provide patient consultations. Pharmacists are important in our program but let's keep them doing what every single pharmacist I interviewed told me is their most important job...patient consultations. This increase in labor costs will likely continue to keep prices high for patients. Sadly just a few weeks into these changes and I have already seen a decline in pharmacists available for consultations, shorter pharmacist consultations, a delay in new pharmacies opening, and longer wait times. Every single pharmacist and pharmacy operator I interviewed agreed.

My vision for the ideal Utah medical cannabis program I am proud of the program Utah has created. That is why I am so passionate about advocating for it’s best version. I envision a program where the medical provider visits with the patient to educate and decide if medical cannabis is recommended. Then the patient visits the pharmacy where they receive an initial pharmacist consultation. The pharmacist should always be available to answer questions during operating hours. For most pharmacies, this may require a pharmacist consulting new patients in a private room to comply with HIPAA privacy laws plus another pharmacist answering follow-up questions at the register where the agent completing the purchase can ask each customer if they have questions for a pharmacist. Each pharmacy should have a pharmacist available via phone call, chat or email for follow-up questions. Continues on page 87€

SPRING 2021 I SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

WRITER OLIVIA KULANDER

Delta 8 MANUFACTURERS ARE SYNTHESiZiNG iT FROM CBD

pyramid scheme IT’S EASY TO SEE WHY PRODUCERS MiGHT GET EXCiTED ABOUT A WAY TO TURN A SURPLUS OF CBD OiL iNTO A SLiGHTLY PSYCHOACTiVE (AND THUS MORE VALUABLE) PRODUCT WiTH LESS LEGiSLATiVE OVERSiGHT THAN iTS MORE EFFECTiVE COUSiN. Δ8-THC MAY BE SAFE TO CONSUME. BUT CAN WE MAKE THAT SAME ASSUMPTiON ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OTHER CHEMiCALS THAT MAY BE iN THE PRODUCT?

THE CANNABiS PLANT CONTAiNS HUNDREDS OF THERAPEUTiC BiOMOLECULES, iNCLUDiNG OVER 100 CANNABiNOiDS LiKE THC AND CBD

Within the cannabinoids, there are many analogs and isomers for each type—small differences that have big implications and real-world consequences. An extra carbon molecule or a double bond in a different position completely changes how a given

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molecule will interact with the body and with other cannabinoids and terpenes.

Δ9-THC

Δ8-THC is one such analog of the more familiar Δ9-THC. With a double bond on the eighth carbon atom instead of the ninth, Δ8-THC functions similarly to Δ9-THC. But other than being significantly

Promising or Perilous?

Δ8-THC

less psychoactive, the science is still out on what that means to patients.1

CANNABiNOiD ANALOGS

For perspective, let’s look at some THC analogs that feature small differences with large consequences. Like most of the cannabinoids, THC has an acidic version, THCA, which is identical except

for a small attached acid that’s cleaved off when it’s decarboxylated. Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction caused by heat or time that removes an acidic carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide. Until decarboxylation, the molecule is not psychoactive, so consuming THCA won’t give patients THC’s characteristic high. THCA

THC decarboxylation (-CO2)

When THC or other cannabinoids are synthesized from precursor CBGV instead of CBG, they become varin cannabinoids (THCV, CBDV). Varin cannabinoids have two fewer carbons in their tail for a grand total of three. Having a three-carbon tail versus a five-carbon tail means that the varin cannabinoids have a harder time binding to cannabinoid receptors in the body, ensuring that THCV is not as potent as its THC analog. On the other hand, the recently isolated and identified THCP has seven carbon atoms in the tail, giving it a more potent binding site, and likely the reason researchers found it to be 33 times as active as THC2. Extremely small changes in biochemistry have profound effects on how substances work in the body.

Δ9-THC

Δ8-THC possesses exciting potential for helping patients with pain, inflammation, and nausea—with significantly less psychoactivity than Δ9-THC. Whether there is a corresponding decrease in efficacy with less psychoactivity has yet to be established, though it seems likely. Everybody with an eye towards the future in the cannabis space is keeping a close watch on Δ8-THC and is cheering for the eventual success of any cannabinoid as a therapeutic superstar.

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A LiMiTED UNDERSTANDiNG OF Δ8-THC

One hurdle in the understanding of Δ8-THC is the same hurdle faced by all other minor cannabinoids. A dearth of research means that primary sources on the efficacy of Δ8-THC are few and far between. A single clinical study in 1995 showed it to be a remarkably effective antiemetic for the eight children in the trial3. While this is fantastic news, it is one of the only studies to feature humans, and a sample size of eight juveniles does not constitute a solid framework of research.

Δ9-THCV

Other studies researching Δ8-THC in vivo (in a living organism) use rats and mice as study organisms to demonstrate Δ8-THC’s capabilities as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and neuroprotectant in a variety of conditions.4,5,6,7 However, another study shows that Δ8-THC reacts differently in humans than in rodents, causing bradycardia (slowed heart rate) in rodents, while increased heart rate in humans.8 So, while Δ8-THC and other minor cannabinoids show real

promise in scientific studies, it is only prudent for the cannabis industry to proceed with caution and push for more clinical research and human trials before making claims or selling products to vulnerable patients. A NATURAL DiSTiNCTiON

It is true that Δ8-THC is a natural product of cannabis, and humans have been consuming it for centuries. It is without a doubt at least an occasional player in the Entourage Effect, and hasn’t been associated with significant negative effects when ingested at low levels. It is important to remember, though, that in most dried cannabis flower, Δ8-THC is undetectable, and for the 1 percent of cannabis samples that contain enough to register, there are only trace amounts. Patients are exposed only to extremely low levels of Δ8-THC in the cannabis plant. Since Δ8-THC is naturally present in cannabis only at minute concentrations, production requires more than simple extraction. For such a minor cannabinoid to present at therapeutic levels, cannabis must undergo extensive processing with chemicals such as acetic acid and bleach used to convert CBD into Δ8-THC. Since Δ8-THC does occur naturally, it is often marketed as a natural substance, but lab-made Δ8-THC (and the residual chemicals from its derivation) are a far cry from anything you’ll find naturally in the plant. California lab, InfiniteCal, ran over 2,000 Δ8-THC samples

through chromatographic testing in 2020. Of those samples, less than one percent (that’s less than 20 samples) tested as pure Δ8-THC. The vast majority showed chromatographic peaks of unidentified substances in the samples.11 Without manufacturing and clean-up regulations or testing parameters in place, there is nothing to ensure that patients and consumers are getting a safe, let alone effective, product. When more than 99 percent of products have unidentifiable substances in them, and there is no testing standard to hold manufacturers to, it is in the best interest of the consumer to exercise extreme caution when purchasing these products. Add into the equation the proliferation of vape cartridges containing Δ8-THC and possibly other unknown substances, and you have a tinderbox of hazardous potentiality. Even if it’s accepted that Δ8-THC is safe to consume, one cannot make that assumption about other chemicals that may be in the product. Continues on page 81 €

CITY MAGAZINE

True Confessions of a

WRITER TIM PICKETT, PA-C

On January 11, 2020 I was ready to see my first patient as a cannabis specialty provider: Card bestower.

remember having about four or five patients scheduled that day and can still see the comfortable downtown therapy office I had subleased for these visits. At that time, my goal was to start helping people find good information through blog articles and to put myself on the map as an expert in cannabis medicine. I had no idea what I was in for as I sat down, laptop ready, and began to listen to and discuss medical marijuana with actual patients. At first, it was just plain weird to ask people to discuss their cannabis use and their experience with smoking, vaping, edibles, bongs, dabs, etc. Have you ever asked someone outright, “Tell me about your cannabis use,” and expected something more than a sheepish wince and a bypassed answer?

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QMP.

I still remember the sheer terror of writing down – with my own signature – a signed recommendation for a federally illegal, still Schedule 1 drug! The whole thing was surreal for both myself and those first few patients. The target was definitely on my back now. Black Suburbans would be coming for me at any moment. Time to get the microwave ready for that laptop, just in case.

I saw about 11 patients in January 2020. There were a handful of providers — five or so — across the state who were actively writing recommendation letters for medical cannabis. I was now one of them. My name was on the map as the place to go in Salt Lake for an evaluation and some decent education. I intended to establish myself as THE expert in the Utah medical cannabis space and to be a resource to both providers and patients. It's just my personality to want to be the best and most knowledgeable about something. I love learning. Guiding people to “aha moments” in their journey to health and happiness motivates me to continue learning. Imagine you’re riding your bike

with flat tires and here I come, pump in hand, to show you that riding with air in those tires might make your ride a little smoother. I believe that the secret to life is continually working on the little things. “Just get started,” is something I say a lot to myself and my patients. It obviously works at the beginning of a situation, but works equally well after a setback to restart the diet, the exercise routine, or side hustle you want to work on. So many times we start and fail, but if we just get started again and again, eventually it takes and we can carry on with the new us, the new way, the new path. So, I just got started. I was seeing patients, writing articles and answering questions for people who needed access to legal cannabis. I worked full time in gastrointestinal surgery and trauma for six years prior to being in the medical cannabis industry, and at the time, I was still taking care of sick patients in the hospital five days a week, teaching PA students, and was on-call at the hospital one week per month. I worked nonstop and spent my “free time” building a small practice in medical cannabis. By February, I saw 65 patients on my own and hired Utah Therapeutic Health Center’s first employee to help me manage phone calls. Of course, in March 2020 the doors blew off the medical cannabis program and the phone started ringing off the hook, despite the global pandemic that was wreaking havoc on the world. Everything shifted to telemedicine and Zoom calls. My providers and I were doing visits over the phone through the patient’s closed car windows as a way to see people face-to-face, while maintaining separation as much as possible. While some took advantage of the ability to see their new patients by telemedicine, I oppose telemedicine visits for firsttime evaluations. I believe in face-to-face meetings and see it as the right way to connect with patients. Telemedicine is best for follow-ups and continu-

ation of care. There’s something about looking your provider or patient in the eye and seeing their body language that is an important part of practicing good medicine. I continued to work both jobs until late October 2020, when the burden of surgery and the workload of this new industry became too much for me and my family to bear. It was an easy choice by then to move on and focus all my energy on medical cannabis. I am no longer terrified to write recommendations for patients in need. And I love working hard to legitimize a plant with so much promise. It takes a considerable team to care for people and to be there for them when they need us. That truth is only exaggerated in the medical cannabis space where all the rules are new and the questions are constant. Cannabis ain’t like amoxicillin, folks, and it’s still against federal law.

My team fields a myriad of questions, like, “What qualifies me to have a medical card?” “What are the steps to get a card?” “Can I take other medications with cannabis?” “What forms should I try?” “What dose?” “Will topicals work or do I need an inhaled method?” “How do I renew my card?” “What if my card expires?” “Can I own a gun, have a temple recommend, and get a CDL with a card?” “Will my malpractice cover cannabis as a provider?” “Do I need to meet with the pharmacist?” “Will insurance cover any of this?” SPRING 2021 I SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

Other medical clinics don’t typically need to prepare for these types of questions, but they’re the reason my Patient Experience Team answers over 600 phone calls per week now. And the program is still just a year old here in Utah. Despite all the challenges of 2020, the feeling of building a bicycle while riding full speed down Capitol Hill, and the structural limitations of the Utah system, it all seems to be working. The Utah cannabis community is engaged and motivated to help grow awareness and get people the help they need. The team at utahmarijuana.org is now 40 people strong, all here to help people navigate the program. We’re writing about it, making videos about it, recording podcasts about it, and constantly spreading education about it. All of us in the Utah cannabis space are working together to build awareness and help people.

eliminated so those of us who have dedicated our lives to this specialty — not just to writing letters or issuing cards — can help those who need it. At this stage in the program, we need experts. We need providers who have taken the time to educate themselves thoroughly about medical cannabis — more than just the four-hour course from the state — so that we can properly educate patients, providers, and, frankly, politicians in the Utah space.

So, here we are. The first year of the program is now behind us. I’m still working on establishing myself as the expert and have connected with many along the way to reach this goal. It’s refreshing to discuss the plant with people completely in support of it. I’ve gotten to know many people in the industry and it’s nice to have this community working on common goals.

P.S. To the 30,000 or so legal cannabis users and patients in Utah, I say, “Thank you.” But I also say, “This is for you. You are the ones who are building this program by your support and trust in us, your questions, your demands. Keep ‘em coming.”

SBC

This was the point, right? To help people? I think Utah will keep the medical program for the foreseeable future. I, for one, want to see it stay medically-based long enough for us to change the opinions of the medical community and help them see cannabis as legitimate medicine. This needs to happen before we move on to adult use, in my opinion. I also hope to see the patient caps

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The Green Family Tree Many Utah medical cannabis patients visit local pharmacies and purchase cannabis cartridges, tinctures, edibles, and flower, only to have no idea which brand is producing them. In Utah, every bit of cannabis, from seed to sale, is tracked by multiple online databases for the state, but that information tends to be more hidden from the average patient’s point of view. The packaging doesn’t always piece together the whole picture either. When it comes to who processes it, or who white-labels it, that information can be sticky to find. White-labeling means rebranding the already-made products to proliferate the market. This benefits the processors because processors cannot legally advertise here in Utah, but their white-label brands can. There are multiple sectors in this system. First, the cannabis is grown by licensed cultivators, then it is transferred to either a Tier 1 or Tier 2 processor. Next, there is the option for the finished product to be white-labled and rebranded for another licensed company. Lastly, the final product is dropped off at the local pharmacies and sold to eager patients. SPRING 2021 I SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

Where do these babies come from? Tier 1 processors are the ones who are able to dry, cure, extract, refine, formulate, package, and label the cannabis flower or extracts into other products. They are the ones who turn the flower into a concentrate, and then turn that concentrate into vapes, edibles, creams, or tinctures. For Tier 2 processors, they can only process, formulate, package, and label the products. A prime example of a Tier 1 processor is Boojum Group, which has products using cannabis flower or trim from Tryke, Dragonfly and others out of the eight possible licensed cultivators in the state.

The current list of licensed Utah Tier 1 Processing companies are as follows: Boojum Group Curaleaf Dragonfly Processing Life Elevated Processing Pure Plan, Riverside Farms Standard Wellness True North Organics Tryke Wasatch Extractions Zion

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Dragonfly Wellness is a completely vertically-integrated company, meaning that they have the ability to grow, process, formulate, and package their own products under their own label. They are able to create Dragonbite edibles and coconut oil-based ratioed tinctures provided with flower from their own grow.

Standard Wellness not only has a license to grow their own cannabis flower, but also a processing license, which allows them to create their Hawaiian Haze and Lifter 1:1 Delta 8 and Delta 9 cartridges and Pax pods for Utah patients. Standard Wellness uses The Solid brand to white-label their Dose Capsules and Dose Muscle Gel.

was originally grown by Tryke and Dragonfly.

Most other local cannabis producers do not have a grow of their own cannabis flower. They instead have to rely on the eight growers in the state to provide them with enough trim to process into that precious oil that all cannabis products other than flower are made from.

The purpose of white-labeling products is that it brings in more revenue for processors, which means more products for patients. It’s a strange, but mutually beneficial system that has begun to take place in Utah.

Life Elevated and Wasatch Extractions both have the ability to produce concentrates which are extracted using CO2, a method which is said to yield higher cannabinoid content, while all other processors tend to stick with the oh-so-common distillate or the preferred method for OG concentrate connoisseurs, solventless options of extracting the highly sought after concentrates. Steve from Wasatch Extractions explained that he has been hard at work trying to maximize the small amounts of trim they get from the growers. Boojum is most known for their Cannabis Tincture Oral Sprays, Terpene Enhanced Tinctures and Edibles and their High and Low Dose Capsules. Boojum Group has also worked directly with a Tier 2 processor, Mother Liquor, to bring us high quality solventless rosin which

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During the past year of legal medical cannabis here in the Beehive State, there has been a growing number of these processing brands beginning to white label products.

Some of the white label-brands seen this year so far have been Sugar House Selects (grown by Zion), ReLeaf Society (grown by Tryke), Jilu (products produced by Life Elevated Processing) and Fruit of Life (products produced by Wasatch Extraction). Select brand sells products which are produced by Curaleaf. Curaleaf does not have a grow, so they must acquire their flower from the eight growers in the state. Elude, Kolibri and Utah Cannabis Company all use products grown or produced by other processors and label them as their own. It’s hard to go wrong though, because Utah has strict quality control and testing measures to ensure that cannabis products on the market will always be safe, appropriately labeled, and consumable. B S C

Compassionate Use Board w In 2018, Utah passed the “Utah Medical Cannabis Act.” Under the new law, patients who are over the age of 21 and complain of one or more qualifying conditions can apply for a medical cannabis card after meeting with a Qualified Medical Provider (QMP). If a person is under 21 or has a condition not on the qualifying list, he or she has a few more steps to take, including submitting a petition to the Compassionate Use Board (CUB).

Making an Impact in Utah MARLEY COLT WRITER

he CUB has seven qualified medical providers, five of whom serve for four years and two of whom serve for two years. The members are nominated by the Executive Director of the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and must be confirmed by the Utah Governor’s Office. In order to find potential nominees, the Utah Department of Health reaches out to state professional associations such as the Utah Medical Association and advocacy groups such as Utah Patient Coalition. Nominees must be medical doctors (MD or DO) with American Board Certification in one of several specialties including internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, neurology, oncology or pain medicine. The CUB meets virtually one time per month, depending on availability, to discuss any open requests, but each request can take up to 90 days depending on each individual patient. As of February 2021, 215 petitions have been approved, 39 are still awaiting review due to incomplete forms and only three have been denied. To file a petition with the UDOH, patients under the age of 18 years must have their parent or caregiver’s approval along with a recommendation from a QMP, primary care and/or specialist physician. Patients between the ages of 18 and 21 years can file a petition on their own and submit the required paperwork from their QMP.

A complete petition includes: 1. CUB petition completed by the patients QMP. 2. A face-to-face detailed evaluation by a QMP. Office note must include: a. Details of the condition or symptoms for which the medical cannabis will treat. b. History of the standard treatment modalities including the results of the previously tried treatments. c. An evaluation of any current or past cannabis treatment as related to the condition. 3. For PTSD - current office note showing treatment under the care of a licensed mental health provider, and a letter from the mental health provider indicating the diagnosis and that they are aware of the decision to seek medical cannabis. 4. Past medical records.

To some, the mention of medical cannabis for minors may seem drastic, but children and young adults suffering from autism, epilepsy, cancer, and PTSD have most likely been prescribed an array of pharmaceutical medications with known adverse side effects and addictive potential, so why refuse them a more holistic option. For a minor under the age of 18 years holding an approved medical cannabis card, a licensed caregiver can purchase and transport their cannabis products. Patients under the age 18 years are permitted to enter the cannabis pharmacies along with their caregivers, but they are unable to purchase products on their own. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 21 year holding an approved medical cannabis card can enter a Utah cannabis pharmacy and purchase their own products. B S C

SPRING 2021 I SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

Why purchase a medical cannabis product in Utah? For years, residents using medical cannabis to treat debilitating medical conditions had to buy their product outside of Utah or illegally in Utah. Since March 2020, qualifying patients have had more options as medical cannabis has been available for legal purchase from medical cannabis pharmacy locations across Utah. Some residents still purchase out of state or illegal products, but here are a few reasons why now is a good time to begin legally purchasing medical cannabis in Utah.

By Richard Oborn Director, Center for Medical Cannabis Utah Department of Health

Beginning July 1, 2020 out-of-state product is illegal in Utah. Beginning July 1, 2021, all medical cannabis products legally possessed in Utah by medical cannabis cardholders must have been purchased in Utah from a medical cannabis pharmacy licensed by the Utah Department of Health. A medical cannabis cardholder who continues to possess out-of-state products after July 1, 2021 risks arrest for illegal possession of marijuana.

Beginning July 1, 2021 out-of-state product is illegal in Utah.

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Medical Cannabis Products Available in Utah Have Undergone Testing. Another advantage to buying products in Utah is that they have undergone testing by an independent testing lab licensed by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. This ensures that patients receive safe products that are free of contaminants and bacteria and have been verified to have the ingredients at the amounts claimed on the manufacturer’s label. I SPRING 2021

Utah Medical Cannabis Pharmacies Have Medically Trained Pharmacists.

Quick Facts About the Utah Medical Cannabis Program

Utah is one of a few states that requires that a pharmacist be on-site at a medical cannabis pharmacy. While critics believe this is an unnecessary cost, many Utah patients have benefitted from consulting with a pharmacist who has doctoral-level medical education and training on how medical cannabis interacts with other medications. With medical training, pharmacists provide valuable counseling to patients regarding their best course of medical treatment.

(as of May 28, 2021)

Pharmacist Coordination with a Patient’s Medical Provider. To ensure the best medical care for a patient, a pharmacist at a medical cannabis pharmacy may coordinate with a patient’s medical provider. They both have access to a secure web-based application that enables communication of private medical information. When a patient buys a product from a medical cannabis pharmacy, a trained pharmacist and a patient’s medical provider can work together to ensure the best medical treatment for the patient.

30,000 active medical cannabis cardholders. 196 medical cannabis caregivers. 650 qualified medical providers (QMPs) recommend medical cannabis to qualifying patients. 14 medical cannabis pharmacies are now open to serve Utah patients. A 15th medical cannabis pharmacy will open in a rural area later this year. Two medical cannabis pharmacies provide home delivery service to qualifying patients. 60 pharmacists work in the medical cannabis pharmacies. 273 registered pharmacy agents. 22 medical cannabis courier agents. Non-Utah residents may now apply for a medical cannabis card that enables them to legally possess and purchase medical cannabis in Utah for up to two 21-day periods per a calendar year.

As more residents join Utah’s medical cannabis program, they can take full advantage of the benefits of visiting with pharmacists working in medical cannabis pharmacies. For more information about Utah’s medical cannabis program, please visit: medicalcannabis.utah.gov or send an email to: medicalcannabis@utah.gov. SPRING 2021 I SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

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THC may be the focus, today, but don’t duck out on full spectrum CBD. As states have brought their legal cannabis programs online, both recreational and medicinal, many people have found themselves wondering what the purpose of CBD products is now that high-THC cannabis strains are available.

No Cannabinoid CBD

left behind

The tendency to focus on THC and over-inflate its importance is nothing new. Since prohibition in the 1930’s, the obsession over THC has been allencompassing. The government banned cannabis because of THC and its effects. The black market chased ever higher THC numbers as a way to cater to their client base. Everyone and their dog knew that THC was the thing in cannabis that “got you high.”

WENDY MENDENHALL WRITER

So, it begs the question: What is the purpose of CBD products now that I can get a high-THC cannabis strain instead? Time and again it has been shown that full spectrum cannabis – i.e. cannabis that contains all of its compounds and cannabinoids in natural ratios – is the most impactful form for medicinal use. Humanity has understood this for over 10,000 years. Cannabis was used for wellness and ritual by countless societies throughout our history. Only recently have we allowed it to be stolen away and hidden by governments more interested in control and money than in healing people. The duh is implied.

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THC

squeaks the loudest. But when it comes gaining maximum health benefits, it’s not the be all, end all.

Even in this new age of high-THC strains and all their preparations from dabs to edibles, there is, and there must be, room for the rest of the cannabinoids. Not everyone wants to deal with the psychotropic effects of THC in pursuit of wellness. In fact the very idea that you have to be high to get the benefits is outdated! With high-CBD strains the psychotropic effects can be mitigated or removed. With correct dosing options one can take a high-CBD strain in the mornings, and then a high-THC preparation before bedtime, completely bypassing the mind-altering effects (since you are asleep) while reaping the medicinal benefits. With raw flower preparations we can take advantage of the acids present in cannabis, and allow our body to convert these acids into their respective cannabinoids at completely different ratios and concentrations. There is an entire world of carboxylic acids, cannabinoids, and terpenes: THCA, CBGA, CBDA, CBCA, CBGVA, THCVA, CBDVA, CBCVA, CBDH, CBC, CBCV, CBDV, CBGV, THCV, CBN, myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, terpinolene, pinene, humulene, ocimene and linalool, to name just a few. Each and every one of these plays an important role in the power of the cannabis plant to balance our Endocannabinoid System (ECS). There is room for high-THC and high-CBD products to flourish in unison, supported by the rest of the 483 compounds we’ve found so far in cannabis.

*So definitely get your medical cards, but don’t be fooled into thinking THC is the golden egg. For far too long THC has overshadowed everything, to our collective detriment. Now is the time to take cannabis back from the misleading attempts to split it apart and monetize every last compound, and place it front and center where it has been for the majority of human history, in all of its full spectrum glory.

SBC

Delta 8 pyramid scheme Continued from page 65

Does Less Psychoactive Mean Less Effective? One of the most intriguing properties of Δ8-THC is its ability to work like Δ9-THC, without the same level of psychoactivity. Based almost entirely on anecdotal evidence, estimates of exactly how psychoactive it is vary widely, from 3 percent to 67 percent the psychoactivity of Δ9-THC.1,9,10 The mechanisms of action are not well-studied, but what research has been done has shown them to have very similar pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics to Δ9-THC. What this means is that it is working in the same way, on the same receptors – 3 percent to 67 percent less effectively. So while Δ8-THC is less psychoactive than Δ9-THC, that is likely simply because it is less effective across the board.

Is Δ8-THC Legal? Thanks to its extremely low occurrence in nature, Δ8-THC inhabits a legal grey area. It is listed by the DEA (along with THC, Δ9-THC, Dronabinol, “and others”) as a Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a Schedule I controlled substance. However, in August of 2020, the DEA implemented an interim ruling to modify the code of regulations to add language stating that the “definition of ‘Tetrahydrocannabinols’ does not include ‘any material, compound, mixture, or preparation that falls within the definition of hemp set forth in 7 U.S.C. 1639o.” The definition of hemp that they are referencing specifically cites hemp as Cannabis sativa with a Δ9-THC concentration of less than 0.3 percent. By this definition, if the substance has over 0.3 percent Δ9-THC, any Δ8-THC present is a Schedule I drug, yet if the substance has less than 0.3 percent Δ9-THC, even high concentrations of Δ8-THC are not controlled.

So, why is Δ8-THC suddenly so popular? First of all, most manufacturers are synthesizing it from CBD. With the influx of hemp biomass in 2020 and plummeting prices across the market, that means it can be made at a fraction of the cost of growing medical cannabis and extracting Δ9-THC. Compared to Δ8-THC, research on CBD is plentiful and promising. Study after study shows its many benefits, and its mechanisms of action are becoming clearer as the evidence mounts. CBD, however, is ubiquitous these days, and it is not psychoactive. It’s easy to see why producers might get excited about a way Concludes on page 92

Negotiating with Terrorists 2021 Legislative Update: Continued from page 19

The other medical cannabis bill to receive the governor’s signature was SB 192, introduced by Utah Senate Majority Leader, Evan Vickers. SB 192 makes a host of changes to Utah’s medical cannabis laws, most of which are centered around Utah’s medical cannabis industry as opposed to patient and medical providers. One major change under the wording of SB 192 is the creation of the “Cannabis Production Establishment Licensing Board.” The Board will consist of six total members, five of whom will be voting members. The voting members will include one member of the public, one member with knowledge and experience in the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical manufacturing industry, one member representing law enforcement, one member that the organization representing medical cannabis patients recommends and a chemist who has experience with cannabis and who is associated with a research university. The Board will be tasked with reviewing and approving applications for medical cannabis production establishment licensure. It will also hold public review hearings where a production establishment proposes a change in ownership by an interest of 20 percent or more, changes or adds a location, upgrades to a different licensing tier, changes extraction or formulation standard operating procedures, adds an industrial hemp processing or cultivation license to the same location as the cannabis production establishment’s processing facility or as otherwise necessary. The Board will also meet every December to consider license renewal applications from the various cannabis production establishments. As it relates specifically to cultivators, SB 192 authorizes a cultivation licensee to apply for a one-time,

86 SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

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permanent increase of up to 20 percent of the cultivation facility’s cultivation space. This amends a prior version of the law that allowed a cultivator to make such a request each year. In addition to requesting a permanent increase in cultivation space, a cultivator may also apply for a short-term increase in cultivation space of up to 40 percent. Such a short-term increase shall not exceed one year. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food may approve the aforementioned requests following a review. Among the other changes applicable to cultivators proposed by SB 192 is a requirement that a cultivation facility may not produce more than 120 kilograms of cannabis concentrate from industrial hemp waste in a single year. Turning to medical cannabis processors, SB 192 prohibits a processor from incorporating cannabis concentrate into a cannabis derivative product until the cannabis concentrate undergoes testing by an independent laboratory. A processor is also prohibited from transferring cannabis or a cannabis product to a medical cannabis pharmacy until the cannabis or cannabis product undergoes testing by an independent lab. The same applies to a medical cannabis pharmacy. SB 192 puts in place additional advertising restrictions for medical cannabis production establishments, pharmacies, and PMPs The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food will be tasked with “defining the standards for a cannabis production establishment’s name and log to ensure a medical rather than recreational disposition.” The same holds true for medical cannabis pharmacies in regard to their names and logos. PMPs, except through a website, may not advertise that the individual dispenses medical cannabis. For educational events, a medical cannabis pharmacy may use a medical practitioner who is licensed in another state or a country as a presenter, or, if the presentation relates to a cannabis topic other than medical treatment or medical conditions, an individual approved by the Utah Department of Health, “based on the individual’s background and credentials in the presented topic.” Previously, only those individuals 21 years of age or older were allowed to attend education events. SB 192 makes an exception for those 18 or older that are medical cannabis card holders.

Medical cannabis pharmacies will likely see the most impactful changes under SB 192. Initially, in the event that one or more of the 14 proposed medical cannabis pharmacies is not operational on or before June 1, 2021, the Utah Department of Health is directed to rescind any notice of intent issued by the Department in regard to licensing or revoke a license that has already been issued. A fifteenth medical cannabis pharmacy license will also be made available under the wording of SB 192. The fifteenth pharmacy must be located within Daggett, Duchesne, Uintah, Carbon, Sevier, Emery, Grand, or San Juan County. As part of its operational requirements, pharmacies will need to take steps to ensure that its PMP “reviews each medical cannabis transaction before dispensing the medical cannabis to the cardholder in accordance with pharmacy practice standards.” Pharmacies are further directed to provide “an opaque bag or box for the medical cannabis cardholder’s use in transporting the [medical cannabis] container in public[.]” A patient transporting a medical cannabis container in public is required to keep the container in the opaque bag or box provided by the pharmacy. Patients should also be aware of some of the changes enacted by SB 192. Pharmacies will now be required to communicate dispensing information to the controlled substances database. Likewise, the Utah Department of Health must record the issuance or the revocation of a medical cannabis card (including a caregiver card) in the controlled substance database. Patients are also obligated to possess their medical cannabis “in the container in which the cardholder received the medical cannabis from the medical cannabis pharmacy,” and patients “may not alter or remove any label” from the container received from the medical cannabis pharmacy. Patients will also be interested to learn that medical cannabis devices may be sold by businesses other than those licensed as medical cannabis production establishments or medical cannabis pharmacies. B S C

THE GREEN PHARMACIst Pharmacists are Fighting for Your Right to Safe and Legal Access

Continued from page 59

I trust that patients can select their own products and agents can properly scan the barcode to sell them products. There is no need for a pharmacist to double-check each transaction. If the state wants to audit something, I’d encourage them to audit pharmacist availability to patients. If the state wants more pharmacist involvement, I’d encourage them to require pharmacies to offer follow-up consultations. In my opinion, it is not appropriate or legal for the pharmacists to force patients to follow specific orders from a medical provider for a schedule one substance like cannabis. The provider can review purchase history at any time and at follow-up visits they can decide if they wish to renew the recommendation. We need to start treating our patients as adults rather than criminals. Instead of focusing on the image of our program we should focus on how we can get the best patient outcomes. I would encourage everyone involved in this industry to consider the needs of the patients over politics, money, and personal or professional interests. How can you help fight for safe and legal access? I have seen frustrated pharmacists and pharmacy operators challenging these new changes for months and they are working hard fighting for your right to safe and legal access. Patients can help us pressure lawmakers and the health department to support patient autonomy in cannabis dosing and product selection like other states. The excessive enforcement that our lawmakers are striving for will bring unnecessary barriers to the medical patients of Utah. Whatever harm they are trying to prevent with these rule changes is nothing in comparison to the harm that comes from an overly restrictive program that denies patients the best treatments for their medical conditions. B S C

SPRING 2021 I SALT BAKED CITY MAGAZINE

Qualified Medical Providers of Utah Directory Brought to you by

AND UTAH THERAPEUTIC HEALTH CENTER

Box Elder County Alpine Orthopaedic Specialists 1030 Medical Drive Brigham City, Utah 84302 435-538-5947 Ammon Hills, DO – Specialty: Pain Medicine

Utah Therapeutic Health Center 140 N Main Street, Suite D Kaysville, Utah 84037 801-851-5554 *Multiple QMPs onsite*

Utah Cancer Specialists 5131 South Cottonwood Street Murray, Utah 84107 801-263-3416 Jonathan Whisenant, MD – Specialty: Medical Oncology

Orn Total Health 722 Shepard Lane, Suite #102 Farmington, Utah 84025 385-988-3965 *Multiple QMPs onsite*

Quintessence Health and Wellness 880 East 9400 South, Suite #109 Salt Lake City, Utah 84094 801-930-9381 Adam Larson, MD – Specialty: Anesthesiology

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Utah Spine Care 1916 North 700 West, Suite 250 Layton, Utah 84041 801-732-5900 Brian Morgan, MD

Alivio Medical Center 279 East 5900 South, Suite #102 Murray, Utah 84107

Kaysville Clinic 120 South Main Street Kaysville, Utah 84037 801-544-4227 Cara Mellor, APRN – Specialty: Family Practice

Medical Arts Center Clinic of Brigham City 984 Medical Drive, Suite #1 Brigham City, Utah 84302 435-723-5248 Justin Watkins, DO – Specialty: Family Medicine

CAS Healthcare 1448 North 200 West, Suite #10 Clinton, Utah 84015 801-896-0847 Cheryl Salmon, APRN – Specialty: Family Medicine

Cache County North Logan Clinic 2310 North 400 East North Logan, Utah 84341 435-538-5950 Ammon Hills, DO – Specialty: Pain Medicine

Utah Therapeutic Health Center 580 West 100 North Bountiful, Utah 84101 801-851-5554 *Multiple QMPs onsite*

Cache Valley Endocrine and Family Medicine 2150 North Main Street, Suite #10 North Logan, Utah 84341 435-716-8765 Christopher Morgan, APRN – Specialty: Family Practice

Holland Holistic 375 Main Street, Suite #103 Kaysville, Utah 84037 801-550-1513 Gary Holland, MD – Specialty: Family Medicine

Medical Cannabis of Utah 55 East 1600 North Logan, Utah 84341 801-615-2188 Mickie Weiss, APRN – Specialty: Holistic Medicine

Carbon County Eastern Utah Women’s Health 77 South 600 East, Suite B Price, Utah 84501 435-637-0313 Danielle Pendergrass, APRN – Specialty: Women’s Health Eastern Utah Spine and Pain 230 N Hospital Drive, Suite #2 Price, Utah 84501 435-613-7246 Russell Beecher, DO – Specialty: Physical Medicine and Pain Management

Davis County

Glacier Peak Pain Care 1407 North 200 West Clinton, Utah 84015 385-333-7123 Kristen Baca, MD – Specialty: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Medallus Medical 1868 1100 West Layton, Utah 84041 801-614-9030 Kyle Vance, PA – Specialty: Family Practice Tanner Memorial Clinic 2121 North 1700 West Layton, Utah 84041 801-773-4840 Justin Mansfield, MD – Specialty: Internal Medicine & Hospice and Palliative Care

Salt Lake County Busy Bee Pediatrics 520 East Medical Drive, Suite #301 Bountiful, Utah 84010 801-292-1464 Bonnie Feola, MD – Specialty: Pediatrics (Patients less than 18 years of age ONLY)

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Evolve Medical 4642 S Holladay Blvd., Suite #202 Salt Lake City, Utah 84117 385-800-5015 Aaron Frodsham, MD – Specialty: Vascular & Interventional Radiology

I SPRING 2021

Steward Primary Care Murray 5980 South Fashion Blvd. Murray, Utah 84107 801-281-2658 An Dinh, MD – Specialty: Chronic Pain ALIE Medical Practice 4400 South 700 East, Suite #201 Millcreek, Utah 84107 801-895-8903 Andrea Long, APRN – Specialty: Mental Health and Addiction Hunter Medical Center 3534 South 6000 West West Valley, Utah 84128 801-969-6264 Jordan Meadows Medical Center 3354 West 7800 South West Jordan, Utah 84088 801-282-2677 Andrew Decker, APRN – Specialty: Family Practice Cottonwood Medical Center 6671 South Redwood Road, Suite #110 West Jordan, Utah 84084 801-281-5775 Ann Lapolla, APRN – Specialty: Internal Medicine and Palliative Care Wasatch Pain Solutions 661 West 10600 South South Jordan, Utah 84095 801-302-2690 Collin McDonald, PA – Specialty: Pain Management Insight Family Practice 8686 South 1300 East, Suite L102-L104 Sandy, Utah 84094 801-997-0368 Ciucui Zhang, APRN – Specialty: Family Medicine University of Utah Division of Infectious Diseases 50 North Medical Drive Salt Lake City, Utah 84132 801-585-2031 Claudia Goulston, MD – Specialty: Infectious Diseases (HIV) Michael Chen, MD – Specialty: Family Medicine Omega Interventional Pain Clinic 3838 South 700 East, Suite #300A Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 801-261-4988 Cory Dahl, PA – Specialty: Pain Management and Anesthesia

Utah Therapeutic Health Center 740 East 3900 South, Suite #108 Salt Lake City, Utah 84107 801-851-5554 *Multiple QMPs onsite*

La Belle Vie Medical Care & Aesthetics 248 East 13800 South, Suite #3 Draper, Utah 84020 801-987-8384 Kelly Lance, APRN – Specialty: Family Practice

Rebirth OB/GYN 2180 East 4500 South, Suite #265 Salt Lake City, Utah 84117 801-272-3909 Rixt Luikenaar, MD – Specialty: OB/GYN

BMI 1046 East 100 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84102 801-746-2885 Daniel Cottam, MD – Specialty: Bariatrics

Utah Physicians Care Centers 1160 East 3900 South, Suite #1200 Salt Lake City, Utah 84124 801-261-9651 Kuo David, MD – Specialty: Internal Medicine

Life Health Medical Center 1770 East Union Blvd., Suite #101 Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121 801-997-8881 Stephanie King, APRN – Specialty: Functional Medicine & Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Nevaeh, LLC 1918 East 9400 South Sandy, Utah 84093 801-878-4774 Sandra Peters, APRN – Specialty: Family Practice

Envie Health Care 12371 South 900 East, Suite 102 Draper, Utah 84020 385-247-0775 Kurtis, Hinderman, APRN – Specialty: Functional/ Family Medicine

Mount Olympus Healthcare 1377 East 3900 South, Suite #200 Salt Lake City, Utah 84124 801-980-7755 Daniel Wightman, MD – Specialty: Internal Medicine Highland Family Practice 4460 South Highland Drive Salt Lake City, Utah 84124 801-272-4111 *Multiple QMPs onsite* Hope Family Medical Center 166 East 5900 South, Suite #B109 Salt Lake City, Utah 84107 385-275-4673 Geraldine Jody Stubler, APRN – Specialty: Family Practice Dangerfield Therapeutics 715 East 3900 South, Suite #200 Salt Lake City, Utah 84107 801-696-1575 Heather M Dangerfield, APRN – Specialty: Psychiatry, Mental Health Granger Medical Wasatch 1160 East 3900 South, Suite #1000 Salt Lake City, Utah 84124 801-569-5500 Ashleigh Byrne, MD – Specialty: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Granger Medical Clinic West Valley 2965 West 3500 South West Valley, Utah 84119 801-965-2726 Ronak Iqbal, MD – Specialty: Internal Medicine McKay Family Practice 7478 South Campus View Road, Suite #100 West Jordan, Utah 84084 801-201-2445 Jenny McKay, APRN – Specialty: Family Practice Utah Medical Cannabis Card Clinic 922 West Baxter Drive, Suite #110 Salt Lake City, Utah 84095 801-253-3200 Jordan Griffeth, APRN – Specialty: Pain & Gastroenterology Utah Neuro Rehabilitation 1414 East 4500 South, Suite #2 Salt Lake City, Utah 84117. 801-999-4627 Judith Gooch, MD – Specialty: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Pine Hollow Psychiatry 8160 South Highland Drive Sandy, Utah 84093 801-407-9212 Landon Moyers, APRN – Specialty: Psychiatry The Health Clinics of Utah 801-715-3500 Marc Babitz, MD – Specialty: Family Practice Southwick Integrative Healing 8541 South Redwood Road, Suite C2 West Jordan, Utah 84088 801-432-7712 Megan Christensen, APRN – Specialty: Family Practice Attention Disorders Clinic 6065 South Fashion Blvd., Suite #255 Murray, Utah 84107 801-467-4210 Natalie C Carter, APRN – Specialty: Family Comprehensive Psychological Services 1208 East 3300 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 801-483-1600 Nathan Currier, MD – Specialty: Psychiatry Comprehensive Psychological Services 5296 Commerce Drive, Suite #206 Murray, Utah 84107 801-266-200 Nick Greenwood, MD Terra Health and Wellness 6975 South Union Park Avenue, Suite #600 Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84047 385-231-1680 *Multiple QMPs onsite* St. Mark’s Hospital, Intervention Pain Clinic 1250 East 3900 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84124 801-268-7725 *Multiple QMPs onsite* Restorative Health Primary Care 850 East 9400 South, Suite #101 Sandy, Utah 84094 385-449-0565 Rita Rutland, APRN – Specialty: Family Practice

Restorative Health 850 East 9400 South, Suite #101 Sandy, Utah 84094 385-449-0565 Stephen Starr, MD – Specialty: General Practice Anew Clinical Practitioners 11762 South State Street, Suite #160 Draper, Utah 84020 801-654-3229 Tamara Broadhead, APRN – Specialty: Primary Care and Psychiatry Utah Stem Cells Joint Treatment and Wellness Center 6699 South 1300 East Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 801-999-4860 William Cimikoski, MD – Specialty: Medical Toxicologist and Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine Specialist Raw Health and Wellness 4190 S Highland Drive, Suite #113 Millcreek, Utah 84124 435-602-9503 Empathetix 4227 Highland Drive, Suite #7 Holladay, Utah 84124 801-804-3166 *Multiple QMPs onsite* Utah Therapeutic Health Center 3615 West 1987 South Building #8 Salt Lake City, Utah 84104 801-851-5554 *Multiple QMPs onsite*

Sanpete County Fountain Green Medical Clinic 275 West 300 South Fountain Green, Utah 84632 435-445-3301 Christine Mangelson, APRN – Specialty: Family Nurse Practitioner Daniel Alsup, MD – Specialty: Family Practice

Summit County Tadler Hoopes – Enter for Healing 90 west 200 South, Suite #3 Heber City Utah, 84032 435-572-9469 Scott Tadler, MD – Specialty: Anesthesiology Kutcher Clinic for Sports Neurology 1154 Center Drive, Suite #D250 Park City, Utah 84098 385-246-5971 Jeffrey Kutcher, MD – Specialty: Neurology

Uintah County Valley Family Clinic 266 West 100 North, Suite #6 Vernal, Utah 84078 435-789-0064 Sandra Rust, APRN – Specialty: Family Practice Dinosaur Land Pediatrics and Family Care 175 North 100 West, Suite #106 Vernal, Utah 84078 435-789-9060 Christopher Williams, APRN – Specialty: Family Medicine Daniel Kwak, MD – Specialty: Pediatrics (Patients under 18 years of age)

Utah County Natural Medicine Clinic of Utah 3300 North Triumph Blvd., Suite #100 Lehi, Utah 84043 Dena Walker, APRN – Specialty: Pain Management Alpine Pain and Rehabilitation 3051 West Maple Loop Drive, Suite #125 Lehi, Utah 84043 801-766-6055 Brent Egan, APRN – Specialty: Pain Management Integrative Medical Associates 3650 North University Avenue Provo, Utah 84604 801-375-7100 Cory Fowler, APRN – Specialty: Functional Medicine Utah Therapeutic Health Center 222 North Draper Lane Suite #2 Provo, Utah 84601 801-851-5554 *Multiple QMPs onsite* Aspen Health and Wellness 1215 South 1680 West Orem, Utah 84058 801-356-5555 Ian Dave, APRN – Specialty: Pain Management and Addiction Premier Family Medical 830 North 2000 West Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062 801-756-3511 Elwood Corry, MD – Specialty Medicine

Intermountain Homecare and Hospice 524 West 300 North, Suite #101 Provo, Utah 84601 801-4040-9893 Kelly Hooton, APRN – Specialty: Family Practice, Hospice, Palliative Care

Delta 8 pyramid scheme

Cedar Psychiatry and Pine Hollow Psychiatry Springville, Utah 801-369-8989 Landon Moyers, APRN – Specialty: Psychiatry

Continued from page 85

Provo Wellness Center 3325 North University Avenue, Suite #375 Provo, Utah 84604 801-857-1233 Mickie Weiss, APRN – Specialty: Holistic Medicine Utah Cancer Specialists American Fork, Utah 801-492-9934 Provo 801-357-8200 Nancy Mortensen, APRN – Specialty: Oncology Mountain Peaks Family Practice 501 East 770 North Orem, Utah 84097 801-724-9840 Robert Durrans, MD – Specialty: Family Medicine

Wasatch County Diamond Springs Wellness Center 210 East Main Street, Suite #101 Midway, Utah 84049 435-657-1777 Judith Moore, DO – Specialty: Family Practice

Washington County Holland Holistic 1224 South River Road, Suite #218B St. George, Utah 84790 801-550-1513 Gary Holland, MD – Specialty: Family Medicine Desert Edge Medical 1664 South Dixie Drive, Suite #D102 St. George, Utah 84770 435-656-2995 Kody Nilsson, MD – Specialty: Family Medicine

Back To Basics Wellness 1120 East 100 North, Suite #1 Payson, Utah 84651 801-754-4848 Jan Badertscher, DO – Specialty: Osteopathic Medicine

St. George Children and Family Psychiatric Clinic 230 North 1680 East, Suite #H-1 St. George, Utah 84790 435-652-1897 Cantril Nielsen, MD – Specialty: Psychiatry

A Body Renaissance 548 Stone Way Santaquin, Utah 84655 385-501-1999 Jennifer Trinidad, APRN – Specialty: Family Medicine

Nancy Davis Med Spa 216 West St. George Blvd., Suite #B-5 St. George, Utah 84770 435-216-7559 Scott Allen, MD – Specialty: Anesthesiology

Life Tree Psychiatry 251 West State Road 198, Suite #3 Salem, Utah 84653 801-504-6665 Josh Hooton, APRN – Specialty: Psychiatry

Weber County

See our ad on page 71

Utah Therapeutic Health Center 2485 South Grant Avenue, Suite #105 Ogden, Utah 84401 801-851-5554 *Multiple QMPs onsite*

to turn a surplus of CBD oil into a slightly psychoactive (and thus more expensive) product with less legislative oversight than its more effective analog. While it is exciting to see where innovation and research into Δ8-THC will lead, many are wary of derived substances that are not well researched, tested, or regulated. Skeptics are right to question the use of a derivative process that turns a safe and effective molecule like CBD into a poorly understood analog of THC. Utah’s patients deserve naturally-derived Δ9-THC that works effectively. Until there is a larger body of evidence proving that Δ8-THC is safe and until all products are tested to ensure they are free of any residual chemicals, it is hard to see the benefit to the patient to settle for a derived molecule whose main selling point is not being as effective as Δ9-THC. Innovation in the cannabis space is moving at breakneck speed, and it’s exciting to see the potential of Δ8-THC and other minor cannabinoids. Even more important, though, is an informed patient population empowered to make decisions between natural versus derived cannabinoids, and legislation that ensures the Utah cannabis market grows and flourishes in a way that supports a healthy industry and educated public. SBC Work Cited 1. National Cancer Institute. (2011). NCI drug dictionary. 2. Citti, C., Linciano, P., Russo, F., Luongo, L., Iannotta, M., Maione, S., ... & Gigli, G. (2019). A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than 9-tetrahydrocannabinol: 9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol. Scientific reports, 9(1), 1-13. 3. Abrahamov, A., Abrahamov, A., & Mechoulam, R. (1995). An efficient new cannabinoid antiemetic in pediatric oncology. Life sciences, 56(23-24), 2097-2102. 4. Adams, M. D., Earnhardt, J. T., Dewey, W. L., & Harris, L. S. (1976). Vasoconstrictor actions of delta8- and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the rat. The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 196(3), 649–656. 5. Thapa, D., Cairns, E. A., Szczesniak, A. M., Toguri, J. T., Caldwell, M. D., & Kelly, M. (2018). The Cannabinoids 8THC, CBD, and HU-308 Act via Distinct Receptors to Reduce Corneal Pain and Inflammation. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 11–20. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2017.0041 6. Hine, B., Toreelio, M., & Gershon, S. (1977). Analgesic, heart rate, and temperature effects of delta8-THC during acute and chronic administration to conscious rats. Pharmacology, 15(1), 63–72. 7. Sjödén, P. O., Järbe, T. U., & Henriksson, B. G. (1973). Influence of tetrahydrocannabinols ( 8-THC and 9-THC) on body weight, food, and water intake in rats. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 1(4), 395-399. 8. Sultan, S. R., Millar, S. A., O'Sullivan, S. E., & England, T. J. (2018). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the In Vivo Haemodynamic Effects of -Tetrahydrocannabinol. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 11(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph11010013 9. Webster et al. (2008) United States Patent No. 7,399,872 10. Hollister, L. E., & Gillespie, H. K. (1973). Delta 8 and delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol; Comparison in man by oral and intravenous administration. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 14(3), 353-357.

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Read this last. BY EVAN LORD

I know what’s it’s like to be the newbie. Dip a toe in cannabis waters and suddenly you’re lips-deep in new terms like, Entourage Effect, Isolate and Full Spectrum. I was this many when I first heard of Decarboxilation.

ENTOURAGE EFFECT: What this means is that two or more components are required to produce a desired effect. You’ll hear this term a lot in CBD circles. Turns out, the benefits of CBD are greatly reduced if there isn’t at least the barest trace of other cannabinoid cousins...like, say, THC. In a full spectrum CBD oil derived from cannabis (often called industrial hemp when the THC level is only 0.3%), that hint of THC is vital because it serves as a key to unlock the numerous healthful marvels of CBD. Think of the Entourage Effect this way:

Maximum Trace amount of

As Utah citizens, it’s a duty to make certain we are all being fairly and ethically served by those we elect to represent us in state government.

Your legislator would love to hear from you about it.

Without a key, even the best lock in your junk drawer is worthless. ISOLATES. I’m no fan of isolates because they are a lock with no key. They’re called isolates because they isolate a single aspect of the whole – like taking the electron away from an atom. Such moves tend to mess with the homeostatic resonance of a quantum state in universally destabilizing ways. Think of an isolate like this:

Full Spectrum USA

Thank you for supporting our magazine, our mission, our advertisers and for keeping yourself informed about this important topic.

If you have thoughts about how medical cannabis is being administered in Utah, share them.

THC

Benefits

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And so, dear reader, I offer you this brief and useful glossary:

CBD

SALT

GEE, MARGiE. I’VE GONE AND MiSPLACED MY WOODCHiPPER AGAiN DON’TCHA KNOW...

We’d love to hear from you, too. Starting with our next issue, we’ll be reprinting reader comments. Tell us what your Utah medical cannabis experience is like. forum@saltbakedcity.com Oh, here’s where you can find your legislator:

Isolate USA

Now imagine you’ve traveled all the way from Europe to America. And when you get here, the only thing you get to see of our vast land is North Dakota.* Full-spectrum CBD gives you Old Glory and sea to shining sea. Isolates? North-farging-Dakota...don’tcha know. B S C

*I farging LOVE North Dakota!

utah.gov

55,000 readers are looking at this page with you. Put an ad in the next issue and they’ll be looking at you. Email: sbcads@saltbakedcity.com or call Cole Fullmer at 385.256.3306

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Salt Baked City magazine Vol.2

Articles inside

QMP Directory A List of Qualified Medical Providers

Delta 8 THC: Promising or Perilous?

Don’t Abandon Full Spectrum CBD Oil for THC

Compassionate Use Board Making Impact in Utah

Who’s Making Utah’s Medical Cannabis Products?

The Green Pharmacist Pharmacists are Fighting for your Rights

Setting Roots in Utah: Who’s Growing Weed in the “Behave” State

Meet Utah’s Medical Cannabis Pharmacies

SBC Product Picks The Best of Utah Medical Cannabis

The Green Exchange Cannabis Costs in Utah Compared to Other States

New Kid on the Bloc: Welcome St. George

Dude, Where’s My Dab? The State of Extracts in Pharmacies

Blackmarket vs Pharmacy Products: An Honest Comparison

Negotiating with Terrorists: Legislative Session Update