“Sutherland Institute commends the House and Senate for enacting the Utah Medical Cannabis Act – and expresses gratitude to the negotiators from both sides of this issue who have earnestly striven to develop the compromise,” Rasmussen said.

“The medical cannabis bill assures availability and limits potential harm to others, including and especially children and non-users. The compromise achieves this balance by means of a regulatory framework that includes control mechanisms, reporting requirements and limited distribution points managed by pharmacists.”

“Further, as the Legislature continues careful monitoring of these important matters, we recommend that they authorize a study, over an extended period, of the effects of long-term use of medical cannabis on those to whom it is prescribed – especially children and minors.”