Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed November 09, 2018
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A few states, including our eastern neighbor Colorado, have legalized recreational marijuana use lately, and you might be wondering if Utah is next. The answer is not quite yet. Despite Colorado’s legalization efforts, the Beehive State still prohibits recreational marijuana possession and sale, although voters approved a ballot initiative legalizing medical marijuana in 2018.
This is an introduction to Utah’s marijuana laws.
For the most part, marijuana possession and sale are illegal in Utah. Lawmakers have yet to compromise on expected amendments to the medical marijuana law after its Dec. 6, 2018 enactment date. However, the law will allow those with a physician's recommendation to purchase marijuana from a licensed dispensary (or grow their own medicine if they live more than 100 miles from the nearest dispensary).
State law allows patients suffering from epileptic disorders to use cannabidiol (CBD) in limited concentrations for medical treatment (prior to the broader 2018 medical marijuana law).
As far as recreational use is concerned, conviction for selling pot in the state constitutes a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison, depending on the amount and location of the sale, and the criminal history of the seller.
The table below lists Utah’s marijuana statutes.
Code Section |
Utah Code 58-37, et. seq.: Utah Controlled Substances Act |
Possession |
Under 1 oz.: Class B misdemeanor; 1-16 oz. not yet extracted from plant: Class A misdemeanor; Over 1 lb.-100 lbs.: 3rd degree felony; Over 100 lbs.: 2nd degree felony; Subsequent offense: one degree greater penalty than provided for |
Sale |
3rd degree felony; Subsequent offense: 2nd degree felony; Within 1000 ft. of school or sale to a minor: one degree more than provided except 1st degree felony is 5 yrs. mandatory |
Trafficking |
- |
While state marijuana laws regulate pot within the state, marijuana possession, sale, and trafficking remain illegal under federal law by way of the Controlled Substance Act. So if you’re thinking of sneaking to Colorado to circumvent Utah’s marijuana ban, you should know that even if a state’s marijuana laws may say it’s legal, federal law will always trump state law if there is an overlap. Most federal law enforcement agencies have left policing in-state marijuana cases to in-state authorities, but the federal government may still enforce prohibitions on interstate cases of pot possession, manufacturing and cultivation and trafficking and distribution.
As we’ve seen here and in other states, drug laws are subject to change. You can find additional articles and information by visiting FindLaw's section on Drug Charges. If you think you or someone you know may have a drug or substance abuse problem, Utah's Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health has resources that can help.
Even if you're caught with the smallest amount of marijuana in Utah, it can still land you in jail for up to six months. So, if you've been charged with violating Utah marijuana laws, your best option is to discuss your case with a local drug crime lawyer who can help determine the best course of action to pursue and possibly keep you out of jail.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many Utah attorneys offer free consultations for Drug Crime.
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