Press Releases

Libertas Institute Announces Series of Public Meetings to Discuss Medical Cannabis


Libertas Institute has scheduled several public forum meetings to discuss Senator Madsen’s proposal to legalize medical cannabis in Utah. The first meeting, the details of which are below, will focus on law enforcement, criminal justice, and banking regulatory issues.

We expect this to be a standing room only event with over 300 people showing up. We will save a few seats for media in the front; please arrive early.

  • Where: Wildcat Theater, Shepherd Union Building, Weber State University
    3848 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84408
  • When: Tuesday, May 19, 7-8:30pm
  • Who: Senator Mark Madsen, sponsor of the legislation; Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill; 22-year undercover Utah narcotics agent Allen Larsen; Christine Stenquist, director of Drug Policy Project of Utah; and Representative Marc Roberts, president of a high-risk payment processing company.

Future meetings will discuss patient stories, medical research, regulatory issues, PTSD, and other topics.

“Few legislators oppose this policy, but there was some legitimate concerns during the previous legislative session that it was happening too quickly and that there were unanswered questions,” said Connor Boyack, president of Libertas Institute. “As a result, we’re holding meetings statewide to openly discuss the bill, field questions, resolve concerns, and educate the public about the importance of and need for medical cannabis as a treatment option for many sick and suffering Utahns.”

Senator Mark Madsen commented, “I’m eager to participate in these meetings. For Utahns like me who sincerely believe in individual liberty and limited government, and who are interested in learning about medical cannabis, these public forums will be invaluable. People need to become informed and weigh in if we are ever going to stop government from making decisions for people that are better left to them and their physicians.”

A poll conducted by Y2 Analytics earlier this year found that 72% of likely voters in Utah support the proposed legislation.