There is no disputing that medical marijuana is now legal in West Virginia. Patients can now access medical marijuana as long as they register with the medical marijuana program. In April 2017, the medical marijuana law was passed in West Virginia and was implemented on July 1, 2019. As we speak, several dispensaries have been opened to provide patients with medical marijuana. So, what are the requirements for accessing medical marijuana in West Virginia? Keep reading to find out more about West Virginia medical card applications.
How to Obtain a West Virginia Medical Marijuana Card
Obtaining a medical marijuana card is the first thing a patient needs to do in West Virginia to acquire cannabis products. This card is used in West Virginia to identify patients suffering from qualifying medical conditions. Among the products that a patient can purchase after obtaining a medical marijuana card are cannabis flowers, concentrates, tinctures, capsules, and vape carts.
In West Virginia, there are three main requirements that a patient needs to meet before obtaining a West Virginia medical card. An MMJ card allows you to purchase cannabis products from any state-licensed dispensary. Let us look at these three requirements.
1. Diagnosed with at least one qualifying disease
Cannabis can only treat particular kinds of diseases. These illnesses and disorders are known as qualifying medical conditions. If you have been diagnosed with any qualifying medical condition, you can register as a medical marijuana patient and begin the application process for a West Virginia medical card. In most cases, medical marijuana is often used to manage extreme pain and discomfort symptoms.
The West Virginia Board of Medicine determined these medical conditions as qualifying because cannabis is effective towards them. Marijuana is also safe to use and doesn't have any major side effects. Examples of these medical conditions include:
2. Get Approved by a West Virginia Medical Doctor
If your doctor diagnosed you with any of the listed medical conditions, or you suspect that you are suffering from one of them because of the symptoms, then you are eligible for a West Virginia medical marijuana card. Before you are allowed to apply for a medical marijuana card, a medical doctor who is licensed by the state needs to evaluate and confirm your health status. This means that you need to look for a compassionate doctor willing to approve your medical condition. The doctor will ask the patient to provide medical records and a family medical history.
You don't only need to prove that you are suffering from a dilapidating medical condition. Still, you also need to convince the doctor that the medical condition does not respond to other types of conventional treatments. The doctor will then give the patient a written certification that you will have to submit together with your application form. Once the doctor has signed the recommendation form, you will need to submit it before 30 day are over. Taking longer than 30 will lead to rejection.
3. Submit your application
After getting approval from your doctor, the next step is to submit both the doctor's approval and your application to the West Virginia Department of Health. The department will take a few weeks to review your West Virginia medical card application. If you meet all the requirements, it will be approved. Other supporting documents that you need to submit are copies of your state-issued identity card and driver's license. These documents are necessary to prove your identity and residence. They are also used to confirm your age and address.
Conclusion
Accessing cannabis as a medical drug is now accessible in many states, thanks to the legalization of cannabis. Many people suffering from qualifying or dilapidating medical conditions can now access cannabis to relieve their symptoms. However, many states have legalized cannabis, and the rules and requirements for patients to get medical marijuana cards vary. These are the requirements for West Virginia patients to apply for medical marijuana cards.