MINUTES OF THE
MEDICAL CANNABIS GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE WORKING GROUP
Monday, October 17, 2022 • 1:00 p.m. • 120 Senate Building


Members Present:
Sen. Evan J. Vickers, Senate Chair
Rep. Walt Brooks, House Chair
Sen. Gene Davis
Sen. Derrin R. Owens
Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost
Rep. Raymond P. Ward

Staff Present:
Alma Weber, Policy Analyst
Christopher Williams, Associate General Counsel
Taylor Calabrese, Administrative Assistant

Note: A copy of related materials and an audio recording of the meeting can be found at www.le.utah.gov.
1.Committee Business
Chair Vickers called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m.
MOTION:Rep. Brooks moved to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2022, meeting.The motion passed with a vote of 4-0-2.
Yeas - 4Nays- 0Abs- 2
Rep. W. Brooks
Rep. J. Dailey-Provost
Sen. G. Davis
Sen. E. Vickers
Sen. D. Owens
Rep. R. Ward
2.Medical Cannabis Advisory Board Recommendation
2 - Advisory Board Preferences Summary
Chair Vickers presented a summary on the advisory board preferences survey.
The working group discussed the composition of the advisory board.
The following individuals provided public comment on the advisory board:
Michelle McOmber, CEO, Utah Medical Association
Christine Stenquist, President, TRUCE
Alyssa Smailes, Executive Director, Utah Cannabis Association
Amy King, advisor, TRUCE
Justin Arriola, licensed processor
Zachary King, resident
Scott Ericson, Executive Director, Utah Cannabis Co-Op
Richard Oborn, Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Brandon Forsyth, State Chemist, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF)
Tim Pickett, qualified medical provider, Utah Therapeutic Health Center
MOTION:Sen. Davis moved to approve the nine-member advisory board consisting of: a qualified medical professional, a cannabis pharmacy, a medical research professional, a law enforcement representative, a cannabis patient advocate/representative, a member of the public, a cannabis cultivator, and a mental health specialist. The cultivator or the pharmacy should also possess a cannabis processor license. The motion passed with a vote of 6-0-0.
Yeas - 6Nays- 0Abs- 0
Rep. W. Brooks
Rep. J. Dailey-Provost
Sen. G. Davis
Sen. D. Owens
Sen. E. Vickers
Rep. R. Ward
3.Agency Governance Recommendations
Chair Vickers provided background information on moving pharmacy and courier regulation under UDAF.
Brandon Forsyth provided additional information in support of moving pharmacy and courier regulation under UDAF.
The following individuals provided public comment on the agency recommendations for governance:
Scott Ericson
Alyssa Smailes
Justin Arriola
MOTION:Sen. Davis moved to remove pharmacy and courier regulation from DHHS and move them under UDAF. The motion passed with a vote of 5-0-1.
Yeas - 5Nays- 0Abs- 1
Rep. W. Brooks
Rep. J. Dailey-Provost
Sen. G. Davis
Sen. D. Owens
Sen. E. Vickers
Rep. R. Ward
The working group discussed Senate confirmation for the advisory board.
MOTION:Sen. Davis moved to state in the recommendation that Senate confirmation will not be necessary for the advisory board. The motion passed with a vote of 5-0-1.
Yeas - 5Nays- 0Abs- 1
Rep. W. Brooks
Rep. J. Dailey-Provost
Sen. G. Davis
Sen. D. Owens
Sen. E. Vickers
Rep. R. Ward
4.Extend Sunset for Working Group
Chair Vickers provided background information on the sunset date.
The working group discussed the sunset date.
MOTION:Rep. Dailey-Provost moved to extend the sunset date to July 1, 2024.The motion passed with a vote of 5-0-1.
Yeas - 5Nays- 0Abs- 1
Rep. W. Brooks
Rep. J. Dailey-Provost
Sen. G. Davis
Sen. D. Owens
Sen. E. Vickers
Rep. R. Ward
5.Other Items/Adjourn
The working group discussed the group's background and future.
MOTION:Sen. Davis moved to adjourn.The motion passed with a vote of 5-0-1.
Yeas - 5Nays- 0Abs- 1
Rep. W. Brooks
Rep. J. Dailey-Provost
Sen. G. Davis
Sen. D. Owens
Sen. E. Vickers
Rep. R. Ward
Chair Vickers adjourned the meeting at 2:03 p.m.