Does cachexia & wasting syndrome qualify in Utah?
Yes. The Utah Medical Cannabis Program lists Cachexia as a qualifying condition. An Utah-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About cachexia & wasting syndrome
Severe, unintended loss of weight and muscle that comes with serious illnesses like cancer or HIV.
Limited evidence. There's limited evidence that cannabinoids increase appetite and reduce weight loss in HIV/AIDS.
Symptoms Utah patients most often hope to ease:
- Poor appetite and feeling full quickly
- Nausea that makes eating difficult
- Ongoing loss of weight and muscle
- Changes in taste or smell of food
- Fatigue and low energy
Before you start. Dizziness, low blood pressure and sedation can raise the risk of falls in people who are already weak. People with weakened immune systems should avoid smoking cannabis because of a risk of lung infections from contaminated plant material.
Read more: medical marijuana for cachexia & wasting syndrome.
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)
- Alzheimer's disease
- Autism spectrum disorder
- 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
Cachexia & wasting syndrome in nearby states
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome in Colorado
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome in New Mexico
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome in Arizona
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for cachexia & wasting syndrome?
Helpful records include: records confirming the underlying illness, such as a cancer, HIV or heart failure diagnosis; weight records over time showing unintended weight loss; notes from your oncologist, HIV specialist or dietitian about appetite and nutrition. 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.