Utah governor blasts feds for inaction on cannabis banking, medical research

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said the federal government “oughta be ashamed” for its “lack of action and attention” on cannabis policy reform, including steps to encourage marijuana banking and medical research.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Herbert, a Republican, said Utah’s medical marijuana program faces policies that hinder doctors from recommending MMJ and federal banking restrictions that force cannabis vendors to operate as cash-only businesses.

Herbert said the federal classification of cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug interferes with research into its potential medicinal uses and prevents regular pharmacies from dispensing it. The classification puts marijuana in the same category as heroin and LSD.

Utah voters passed a ballot initiative in 2018 to create a medical cannabis program, and state legislators followed by instituting their own marijuana law.

– Associated Press