Medical marijuana is legal in West Virginia, but only to those who possess a medical marijuana card issued by the Department of Health and Human Resources. Recreational use is still illegal in West Virginia and the laws surrounding the consumption and cultivation of marijuana are as strict.
To become a registered patient and get your West Virginia medical marijuana card, you will have to follow a few steps in order to submit your application. As long as you have a qualifying condition, it should be fairly easy for you to become fully certified.
Requirements For Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in WV
To apply for a medical marijuana card, you must be a West Virginia resident. You will be asked to show proof of residency at some point in the application process.
You must also be 18 years of age in order to apply for a medical card yourself. Nevertheless, minors can still apply for a medical marijuana card as long as they have an assigned caregiver or a legal guardian.
Caregivers must also register for a card in order to be able to purchase and administer medical marijuana to the patients in care.
Get a Written Recommendation for Medical Marijuana
Before starting the application process, you will have to obtain a written recommendation from a state-licensed doctor. They must evaluate you and determine whether your condition qualifies for medical marijuana treatment.
Medical marijuana can also be recommended in combination with other standard medication, so self-administration without a prescription from a doctor is strictly forbidden.
West Virginia considers the following medical conditions as valid for receiving medical marijuana as a treatment:
- Chronic or intractable pain
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Sickle cell anemia
- HIV / AIDS
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Huntington’s disease
- Intractable spasticity
- Neuropathies
- PTSD
- Epilepsy
- Intractable seizures
- Crohn’s disease
- Terminal illness
This recommendation will be submitted to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. Only then you will be able to proceed with your application.
Remember that only a doctor registered with the West Virginia Bureau of Health can issue a recommendation for medical marijuana.
Submit Your Application
After you receive a medical recommendation, you will have to start your application with the Department of Health. You will be asked to present the following:
- a written recommendation from a state-licensed physician that certifies your medical condition
- ID
- Proof of residence
- Other medical records that will help your case
You will also be asked to cover a state fee of $50 for your application.
Wait for Approval
It may take between 30-60 days for your application to be reviewed and approved. Only after that you will receive your card and be able to legally purchase medical marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries.
Limitations
Even if you are a medical marijuana card holder in West Virginia, you will not be able to consume anywhere or distribute it to non-certified patients. Caregivers may only purchase for and administer to their certified patients. The same goes for patients. You may not purchase or distribute medical marijuana products to anyone else.
When it comes to consuming it, West Virginia patients may only legally consume medical marijuana in the privacy of their homes. Public intoxication is strictly forbidden.
Driving under the influence is also illegal in West Virginia even if you hold a medical marijuana card.
Growing or selling medical marijuana without a license is also illegal.
You should also remember that medical marijuana cards issued in other states will not work in West Virginia. This rule applies to most states that have legalized medical marijuana unless a reciprocity agreement is in place between the two states.
Also, check this blog – 4 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Cannabis Topical
Conclusion
Now that medical marijuana is legal in West Virginia, patients can benefit from an alternative treatment with medical marijuana. This is great news for those patients who have shown no results while under standard treatment or who could improve their symptoms through a less risky alternative.
Medical marijuana is increasingly prescribed by doctors as an alternative with fewer side effects and little risk of developing an addiction in comparison to painkillers or antidepressants.
Nevertheless, remember that only with a medical marijuana card you can legally access these products and start your treatment.
