West Virginia Medical Marijuana Laws

On April 19, 2017, Gov. Jim Justice signed West Virginia’s medical marijuana bill into law! SB 386 passed the Senate in a 28-6 vote on March 29, and it passed the House on April 4 in a 76-24 vote. Sponsored by Sen. Richard Ojeda and 11 co-sponsors, SB 386 will allow seriously ill patients to register to use and safely access medical cannabis.

This makes West Virginia the 29th state to pass an effective medical marijuana law.

Unfortunately, the House amended the bill and made it much more restrictive before passing it, including by prohibiting marijuana in its natural, flower form. The Senate concurred in the amendments on April 5, but lawmakers expect to work to improve the program next year. A summary of the new law is here.

If you live in West Virginia, please visit this page to see how your delegates voted and call their offices to thank them for voting yes or ask why they voted no.

Think tank reports that legalization would boost West Virginia’s economy, provide safer alternative to opioids

In August 2016, the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy published an in-depth report examining the potential economic and budgetary impacts of legalizing marijuana in the state. They concluded that West Virginia could raise approximately $45 million in taxes and save $17 million currently spent on enforcement. The report also noted that “marijuana may potentially have a positive impact on West Virginia’s opioid-based painkiller and heroin epidemic by offering another, less-addictive alternative to individuals who are suffering from debilitating medical conditions.”

If you are supportive and are a medical professional, a seriously ill patient who might benefit from medical marijuana, a law enforcement official, a clergy member, or a member of the legal community, or you know someone else that is, please email state@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help. Please be sure to include your address or nine-digit ZIP code so we can help you identify your elected officials.

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