Shawn - That is a well thought out response. I understand your concerns about the affirmative defense, but I'm glad that is there because it will take time for the framework of dispensaries etc. to begin getting medicine to patients. In the meantime, if Prop 2 passes, patients can use marijuana without fear of being labeled a criminal. I'm sure it will not be easy to get a case dismissed unless you have a true condition you can prove to the court. 

The growth of plants is a valid concern for many, but you can only grow if you are many (I forget how many but I want to say its about 100) miles away from a licensed dispensary. This portion of the law was meant to address the adequacy of distribution in the rural areas of Utah. Considering how big our state is, some kind of rural exception would need to be made no matter how a medical marijuana law is written. Also, growing yourself may create some excess that will spillover into the black market, but anyone can tell you how alive and well the black market is right now. Marijuana is so easy to get, a few extra plants in Milford (or any other rural area), will not cause marijuana to suddenly become easily accessible. 

And you are 100% right, this law in no way changes the penalties for illegally possessing marijuana. It will still be illegal to smoke in public (unless you are experiencing a medical emergency), and definitely still illegal to consume recreationally anywhere. 

Please continue researching and don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have. Is this law perfect? None are. But, is this by far the best we have seen in this state (and there have been many failed attempts over the past 5 years by our illustrious legislature)? Without a doubt. Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons, and it is time we think of people's pain and suffering before holding out for some perfect bill.

Hogie - Your views are the exact exaggerations and lies that have me so fired up on this issue. There is NO law that will allow shaggydoo (my name is Aaron by the way) any relief in any form. The current Utah law you are referring to has such a narrow scope it will help very few, as it is set up to help only those with 6 months or less to live. Unfortunately, I plan on being alive for longer than 6 months, and to add insult to injury, my doctors have not given me a terminal diagnosis. If only I had a shorter time to live so I could get some help.

I do agree with you that people should read the laws. Go read the current law that Trigger linked above and decide for yourself if giving a band-aid to a dying person is enough help? Then go read Prop 2 and decide which bill actually gives real relief to real patients.

Finally, it is simply absurd to tell people to disregard personal stories in this debate. The personal stories are the driving force on this issue, and the only reason we have a Prop 2 in the first place. I don't want to live in a society where we ignore the plight of our fellow man.

Everyone - Here is the meat and potatoes of this issue. Prop 2 gives medical (not recreational) access to marijuana when prescribed by a doctor for the following qualifying illnesses (taken directly from the full text Prop 2): HIV, Alzheimers, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cancer, cachexia (or other physically wasting chronic disease), Crohn's disease, epilepsy, MS, PTSD, autism, a rare condition that affects less than 200,000 Americans, chronic or debilitating pain, and when a physician determines a person is allergic to opiates. There is also a process set up for individual consideration on a case-by-case basis by a Compassionate Use Board.

So in summary, if you believe in medical marijuana, and you would like to see people with the debilitating conditions listed above receive help: Please vote YES on Prop 2!

Okay, excuse my ignorance, which may be due to me living in California for two years. No, I did not know that there is a current Utah law on the books for that.  I'm sure I can google it, but what bill is that?  If you are correct, which I'm sure you are, then yes I will take a deeper dive into Prop 2.

Knowledge is power.

Edit:  

You aren't referring to this, https://le.utah.gov/~2018/bills/static/hb0195.html right?