Utah Opens Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Applications: What You Need to Know

By Yolanda Clarke

Jul 1, 2025

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) announced that the application window for the first of two new independent medical cannabis pharmacy licenses is now open from July 1 to July 31, 2025.

The application instructions and requirements have now been released for interested applicants. These licenses, approved through House Bill 54 during the 2025 legislative session, are designed to expand access to medical cannabis in underserved areas across the state.

As Utah’s medical cannabis market continues to grow, new operators have a rare opportunity to enter a highly regulated, competitive industry. With limited licenses and a detailed application process, applicants should start preparing now. This blog explains how to apply for a Utah medical cannabis pharmacy license, covering eligibility, zoning, operations, and deadlines.

Utah Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Timeline

The application window for the first license will be open from July 1 to July 31, 2025, with the license to be awarded before January 1, 2026.

A separate application window is expected for the second license, which will be awarded sometime in the year 2026. Vicente LLP will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Eligibility for Utah Medical Cannabis Pharmacy Licenses

Only new, unaffiliated businesses are eligible to apply for a Utah medical cannabis pharmacy license. Applicants may not have any financial or ownership interest in existing Utah medical cannabis pharmacies or production facilities.

Additional requirements:

Pharmacies must be located in medically underserved areas within Utah’s third, fourth, fifth, or sixth-class counties. The application packet includes a map to help verify qualifying locations.
Licenses cannot be transferred for at least 15 years.

Need help navigating the application process? Contact Vicente LLP’s cannabis licensing team now to get started.

Utah Medical Cannabis Pharmacy Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted via an electronic portal as a single PDF file not exceeding 100 pages, along with the $2,500 application fee. Required materials include:

Ownership disclosures and financial statements
Background checks and fingerprint consent forms for individuals with at least a 10% ownership or voting interest
Detailed operational, security, and community engagement plans

Zoning, Property, and Community Support Requirements

Applicants must provide a specific street address that complies with Utah’s zoning and distance requirements, including a minimum 200-foot buffer from community locations and a 600-foot buffer from residential zones. The application must also include a letter of intent to occupy the proposed location, contact information for the property owner, and evidence of strong community support, such as letters from local municipalities and zoning approvals.

Operational and Security Plans for Utah Medical Cannabis Pharmacies

Applicants must show that the pharmacy will operate at least 35 hours per week and must provide:

Sanitation procedures
Facility floor plans that separate public and patient areas
Security measures, including surveillance systems, alarm protocols, restricted access points, cash handling processes, theft prevention procedures, backup power, and security record retention for at least five years
Each pharmacy must designate a Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC) and a Pharmacy Agent with verified credentials. Staffing plans must outline employee training, patient counseling, and dosage verification procedures.

Inventory, Sales, and Community Engagement

Applicants must submit:

An inventory management plan that includes inventory tracking, point-of-sale (POS) systems, product recall procedures, transportation protocols, and expired product disposal processes
Sales strategies for in-store, curbside pickup, or home delivery (including applicable delivery zip codes)
A rollout plan showing that the pharmacy will be fully operational within one year of licensure
Strategies for competitive pricing, diverse product sourcing, patient affordability, and community engagement
Plans for patient education on safe and responsible cannabis use

Compliance Requirements for Utah Medical Cannabis Pharmacy Licenses

Utah medical cannabis pharmacy licenses cannot be transferred for at least 15 years.

In addition, applicants must commit to:

Full compliance with Utah Code 4-41a and all related regulations
Regular inspections and prompt reporting of any material changes to the business, ownership, or operational structure
Maintaining a $100,000 performance bond or liquid cash account throughout the life of the license
Understanding that cannabis remains prohibited under federal law, despite being permitted under Utah law

Application Deadline and Next Steps

The official application window for the first independent Utah medical cannabis pharmacy license is open now. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please reach out to Vicente LLP today to get started on this timely submission.

Vicente LLP’s cannabis licensing team provides comprehensive support to help you develop a strong, compliant application and navigate each step of the way. If you have questions about the process or would like assistance preparing your application, contact us today!