Is cannabis legal in the state of West Virginia?
Technically, West Virginia legalized medical cannabis in 2017, but the program’s implementation has been delayed due to legal and regulatory issues according to the facts. Looking back to 2020, it was announced that sales of medical cannabis were to start in 2021, of which no information was provided.
West Virginia Medical Cannabis Law
The West Virginia Medical Cannabis Act is a law that was passed in West Virginia in 2017, legalizing the use of medical cannabis for patients with eligible medical conditions. The law outlines rules and regulations for the medical cannabis program in West Virginia, including requirements for patients, caregivers, physicians, and licensed medical cannabis businesses.
Under this law, patients with eligible medical conditions, such as chronic pain, PTSD, multiple sclerosis and cancer, can apply for a medical cannabis card, which allows them to purchase and possess cannabis products. medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries. Patients must have written certification from a licensed physician and meet other criteria to be eligible for a medical cannabis card.
The law also established the West Virginia Office of Medical Cannabis, which is responsible for regulating and overseeing the medical cannabis program. The Office of Medical Cannabis is responsible for licensing and regulating producers, processors and dispensaries of medical cannabis, as well as implementing and enforcing regulations for the cannabis industry medical in West Virginia.
Full List of Medical Cannabis Card Eligibility Requirements in West Virginia
There are only limited conditions that qualify for a medical cannabis card at WV, which are as follows:
- Chronic or intractable pain
- Neuropathies
- Huntington’s disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Refractory crises
- sickle cell anemia
- Terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than 12 months
- Cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Chronic or severe refractory muscle spasms
- AIDS
- Glaucoma
Get a Medical Cannabis Card at WV
Patients must have written certification from a licensed medical practitioner that they have an eligible medical condition in order to apply for a medical cannabis card. Only after a patient has been approved for a medical cannabis recommendation by a licensed physician is it possible to request a West Virginia Medical Cannabis Map Online on the state website. The West Virginia Office of Medical Cannabis oversees the medical cannabis program and maintains a list of licensed physicians who can certify patients for the use of medical cannabis.
Cannabis use for recreational purposes (legal or not)
Cannabis is not legal for recreational use in West Virginia. Possession and use of cannabis for recreational purposes has been illegal in the state since February 14, 2023.
In 2020, the state of West Virginia passed a law that decriminalizes possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. Under this law, possession of up to 15 grams of cannabis is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Possession of more than 15 grams is considered a felony, punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and up to three years in prison.