University of Utah to Open Center for Medical Cannabis Research

Recently, the University of Utah confirmed that it is in the initial planning stages to create a Center for Medical Cannabis Research. Utah Governor signed House Bill 230. It was passed by both the Senate and the House. Spencer Cox signed House Bill 230 on March 15. Dailey-Provost specifically spoke out in regard to the opening of a medical marijuana research center at the University of Kentucky in Sept 2022. She believes it’s now time for Utah to do the same. According to The Daily Utah Chronicle, Dailey-Provost stated that she thought Kentucky could do it and that Utah could also do it. She said that in the past, Utah legislators had been listening to research done from outside of their state rather than doing their own research. “What we hear is that providers, especially doctors, nurse practitioners, and PAs, don’t feel confident in recommending [cannabis] as a treatment.” Dailey Provost also wants the state have a National Institute of Health (NIH) approved medical cannabis cultivation site. She stated that only six states have medical-grade cannabis that is eligible to be studied by NIH grants. “I believe Utah, with its strong agricultural heritage, has an opportunity to possibly be a centre for meeting those research needs at the National Institutes of Health.” HB-230 also includes $650,000 for the Center for Medical Cannabis Research. This funding comes from the Department of Health’s Qualified Patient Enterprise Fund. Dr. Rachel Hess from the University of Utah, Associate Vice President, said that they want to make sure they do everything possible to usher in this new era of cannabis research. Hess stated that while it is impossible to accomplish everything in one year, the legislature has made a long-term commitment. Therefore, ensuring that the science that is ready to go…can be done in the first year and staging subsequently after that are key steps…to ensure we can deliver on our promise of this vision. “It’s going to really be important to communicate with all institutions across Utah about, and about the work that the legislature has sponsored, and then bring together that community to form collaborations to move that work forward,” Hess said. The Center for Medical Cannabis Research’s first year will focus on the most recent research initiatives. Researchers will have the opportunity to plan ahead for the second year. Hess said that she was very proud of this new opportunity. “We feel that Utah can lead in this area in many ways and are just really proud to have created something like this,” she said. Meanwhile, medical cannabis is embarking on a new journey with a university research center. But psilocybin also takes center stage. A psilocybin mushroom bill, which would mirror the state’s legal cannabis program, was introduced in Utah last month. It would allow patients with qualifying conditions to use psilocybin therapy. “This is not for everyone. But if someone is desperate (for help with their anxiety, depression, and PTSD–that’s driving many people to suicide–then I want them access in a safe way that we can regulate,” stated Luz Escamilla, Senate Majority Leader.