SALT LAKE CITY – Pain left from oil-field work defeated traditional pain pills and dominated William Adams’ life — until he tried medical cannabis.
But even as he began venturing outside his home for the first time in years, Adams discovered he couldn't afford the cost. Medical cannabis typically isn't covered by insurance or Medicaid because it remains federally illegal.
The group that led the push to legalize it in conservative Utah says that has kept it unreachable for many patients who need it.
The Utah Patients Coalition on Tuesday joined a small but growing list of programs around the U.S. aimed at helping low-income patients access the drug.