How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in West Virginia

Related

• How to Get Your Medical Card in West Virginia
• The Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in West Virginia

Registering with the West Virginia Medical Marijuana Program

Registering as a patient with the West Virginia Medical Marijuana Program is easy to complete online. But as mentioned earlier, you must have a marijuana certification from a qualified cannabis doctor in the state before you begin.

Get your marijuana certification by following the steps below:

1. Complete this sign-up form and create your Quick Med Cards account.
2. Pick a convenient time for a consultation with one of our cannabis doctors in West Virginia.
3. Attend your marijuana evaluation online over a video call.
4. Receive your cannabis certification if you qualify.

To qualify for a West Virginia medical marijuana card, you must have a serious medical condition recognized by the state and receive certification from a physician registered with the Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC). Qualifying conditions include cancer, PTSD, epilepsy, and severe chronic or intractable pain.

For the complete list, check the WV medical marijuana qualifying conditions page.

How can I Apply for a Medical Card Online in WV?

After your medical marijuana doctor issues your marijuana certification, you should visit the West Virginia Medical Cannabis Portal and create an account. Then, after successfully creating your account, complete your application for the WV medical marijuana card.

There are specific eligibility requirements you must meet to have a successful WV medical marijuana application. They include:

• Be a resident of West Virginia.
• Be 18 or older, or have a designated caregiver if under 18. 
• Have one of the qualifying conditions and a physician certification form to support your application.

After you submit your application, OMC reviews it within 30 days and sends your status by email. If corrections are requested, update your existing application and resubmit it. Once approved, sign in to MyComplia to download your digital medical cannabis card.

Which documents do I need to apply for a medical marijuana card in WV?

You must upload the following documents when applying for the WV medical marijuana card online:

• Photo identification, such as a West Virginia driver’s license or WV ID card
• Proof of West Virginia residency, such as utility bills, tax records, or a voter registration card
• A digital photo of passport quality
• A complete physician certification form from a WV medical marijuana doctor
• Proof of income, such as a W-2, recent pay stubs, or benefit eligibility documents, if requesting a fee waiver for income below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Note: Once you complete and submit your application, you must mail the $50 payment via check or money order to:

WV Office of Medical Cannabis Address:
350 Capitol Street, Room 523, Charleston, WV 25301.

Importantly, ensure the application ID number and the patient name are in the memo line of the check or money order.

When did the WV Medical Marijuana Program Start?

West Virginia legalized medical marijuana when Governor Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 386 into law on April 19, 2017. The Medical Cannabis Act established the state’s medical cannabis program for West Virginia residents with serious medical conditions.

The law was later amended, including amendments in 2018 and 2019. These amendments made changes to the Medical Cannabis Act and its implementation.

On January 29, 2021, the Office of Medical Cannabis announced 100 medical cannabis dispensary permit recipients. Patient registration began on February 3, 2021, allowing eligible West Virginia residents with serious medical conditions to submit applications for the program.

The program is administered by the West Virginia Department of Health, Bureau for Public Health, Office of Medical Cannabis.

Medical Card Guidelines in WV

West Virginia protects patients and caregivers from arrest, prosecution, and state penalties for lawful medical cannabis use and other actions that comply with the Medical Cannabis Act.

Patients and caregivers must follow these WV medical cannabis guidelines:

• Patients may purchase up to 6 ounces of flower, 60 grams of concentrate, or an equivalent combination during a rolling 30-day period. A physician may set a lower limit.
• Patients and caregivers cannot possess more than the legal amount of medical cannabis. Violating this rule is a misdemeanor.
• Patients and caregivers cannot give medical cannabis to someone who is not allowed to receive it. This is a felony offense. 
• Patients and caregivers cannot alter, contaminate, or change the purity of medical cannabis. This is a felony offense. 
• Patients cannot perform certain tasks while under the influence of medical cannabis if it could cause negligence, malpractice, or misconduct.
• Patients cannot possess or use medical cannabis in state correctional facilities or Regional Jail Authority facilities.

Key Takeaways

• The WV Office of Medical Cannabis was established in 2021. 
• Eligible West Virginia residents can apply online through the OMC patient registration portal after receiving physician certification.
• A WV cannabis doctor must certify you for medical marijuana. Afterward, you must complete an online application to receive your medical card.
• The state fee for the West Virginia medical marijuana card is $50.

Common Questions about the West Virginia Medical Marijuana Program

Below are the answers to common questions patients have about the West Virginia Medical Marijuana Program.