#PatientsNotCriminals Press Conference

Connor Boyack
| 14th Jan 2016

Over three dozen patients gathered to show the public that they are patients, not criminals, and that the law needs to change to allow them to use medical cannabis without fear of prosecution. Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill joined the group to call for fixing our failed drug policy, and ensuring that he as a prosecutor does not have to prosecute sick and suffering Utahns for the sole reason that they have used cannabis to help themselves.

Due to a technical error, only the second half of our press conference was recorded. Here are media reports from the event:

About the author

Connor Boyack

Connor Boyack founded Libertas Institute in 2011 and serves as its president. Named one of Utah’s most politically influential people by The Salt Lake Tribune, Connor’s leadership has led to dozens of legislative victories spanning a wide range of areas such as privacy, government transparency, property rights, drug policy, education, personal freedom, and more. A public speaker and author of over 40 books, he is best known for The Tuttle Twins books, a children’s series introducing young readers to economic, political, and civic principles. A California native and Brigham Young University graduate, Connor lives in Lehi, Utah, with his wife and two children.

2026 Bills

At The Capitol: Time Is Running Out

A bill to place new limits on how law enforcement officers can use unmarked vehicles during traffic enforcement has cleared committee.

Libertas Institute Staff
| 21st Feb 2026

Education Empowerment

Why Utah Got a “C” for Student-Centered Funding Programs

Most Utah families want more control over their children’s education. So how is Utah doing?

Parker Palmer
| 19th Feb 2026

Privacy

Amazon’s Ring Ends Surveillance Partnership After Backlash

Amazon’s Ring has canceled a planned partnership with surveillance company Flock Safety after facing public backlash over a Super Bowl ad promoting its new AI feature.

Jason Chipman
| 17th Feb 2026

Help us Nail and Scale Policies to Reduce Government Control

Your tax-deductible contributions to Libertas Institute increase freedom across the country.