Does Alzheimer's disease qualify for a medical card in Utah?
Yes. The Utah Medical Cannabis Program lists Alzheimer's disease as a qualifying condition. An Utah-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About Alzheimer's disease
A progressive brain disease that causes memory loss and, often, agitation and sleep problems.
Limited evidence. Small trials have looked at cannabinoids for agitation in dementia with mixed results. There's no evidence cannabis slows the disease.
Symptoms Utah patients most often hope to ease:
- Agitation, irritability or aggressive outbursts
- Restlessness and pacing, especially in the late afternoon and evening
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night
- Poor appetite and unwanted weight loss
- Anxiety and distress that are hard to calm
Before you start. THC can cause dizziness, unsteadiness and low blood pressure on standing, which raises the risk of falls and hip fractures in older adults. Cannabis can add to confusion, drowsiness and memory problems, so any worsening of thinking should be reported right away.
Read more: medical marijuana for Alzheimer's disease.
How to get certified in Utah
- Create a UtahID account and use it to set up an account in the Electronic Verification System (EVS).
- Start your patient card application in the EVS.
- Meet in person with a medical provider (a registered QMP, or an LMP if you are over 21) who confirms your qualifying condition and enters a recommendation.
- Pay the $15 card fee online; the state usually reviews applications within 2 business days.
- Download your card from the EVS.
- Consult a medical cannabis pharmacist (in person, by video or by phone) before your first purchase at a licensed pharmacy.
Utah requires your first certification visit in person. Renewals can usually be done online.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: $15
- Card lasts: 1 year (provider may set a shorter period)
- Processing: Applications are typically reviewed within 2 business days
- Patient limit: A 30-day supply per provider dosing guidance, never more than 113 g of unprocessed flower and 20 g of total THC in other forms
- Home grow: Not allowed
- Recreational sales: Not legal
- First visit online: No — in person first
See the full Utah cost breakdown and Utah program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in Utah
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Crohn's & IBD
- Epilepsy & seizures
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea & appetite loss
- PTSD
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity
- Terminal illness & hospice
- Ulcerative colitis
Alzheimer's disease in nearby states
- Alzheimer's disease in Colorado
- Alzheimer's disease in New Mexico
- Alzheimer's disease in Arizona
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for Alzheimer's disease?
Helpful records include: a diagnosis letter or recent notes from a neurologist, geriatrician or primary care doctor confirming Alzheimer's disease or dementia; results of memory or cognitive testing and any brain imaging, if you have them; a complete list of current medicines, including memory drugs, sleep aids, antipsychotics and blood thinners. Many patients are still evaluated on their history alone, and your Utah provider will tell you if more is needed.
How long does certification take in Utah?
The provider visit takes about 15 minutes. Applications are typically reviewed within 2 business days.
Can I renew online in Utah?
In most cases, yes. Log into the EVS, resubmit your application, see your provider (in person or by telehealth) and pay the renewal fee. Renewed cards usually last one year unless the provider sets a shorter period.
Sources
- Patients - Utah Center for Medical Cannabis
- Apply for a patient card - Utah Center for Medical Cannabis
- Renew a patient card - Utah Center for Medical Cannabis
- Apply for a non-Utah resident card - Utah Center for Medical Cannabis
- Medical cannabis patient guide - Utah DHHS
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.