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Utah House passes cannabis cultivation amendments amid debate over federal law and supply control
Summary
House passage of second‑substitute HB197 (cannabis cultivation amendments) followed heated debate about whether state cultivation and supply would conflict with federal controlled‑substances law; supporters stressed a controlled supply for medical research and 'right to try' uses.
Representative Daw moved to uncircle and present a second substitute of House Bill 197 on cannabis cultivation. The sponsor and proponents framed the bill as a way to provide a trusted, labeled state supply for medical research and 'right to try' uses. “This bill becomes the way to supply genuine cannabis medicine for both of those programs,” a sponsor said.
Opponents warned passage would put the state at odds with federal law; one member said, “With passage of this, we would be in non‑compliant with federal law,” and urged caution. Questions from members centered on whether the state should be dictating in‑state cultivation and how the supply chain would be controlled, particularly if the federal Drug Enforcement Administration reclassified cannabis.
Sponsor responses emphasized amendments to limit distribution, require labeling and maintain physician oversight. Representative Wilson and others described the bill as a measured, stepwise policy intended to allow clinical research and controlled medical uses without creating a broad commercial industry. The House adopted the amended bill and transmitted it to the Senate.
