West Virginia: legalization of industrial hemp and proposed legislation for medical cannabis

A double win for West Virginia, which legalized industrial hemp and introduced a bill to allow the use of medical cannabis within two days.

Medical cannabis

The West Virginia Senate has just passed two bills regarding cannabis use in the state. The legislation still needs to be approved by the state’s second chamber, but it would allow the Board of Pharmacy to include certain cannabis derivatives in its pharmacopoeia. Patients, doctors, and producers will be required to register with this agency every two years.

Doctors could then prescribe CBD oil and THCA for various ailments. Patients with chronic pain, epilepsy, anorexia, anxiety, nausea, and post-traumatic stress disorder will be eligible for this treatment. These oils may be produced directly by retailers if they meet quality standards. According to the Charleston Gazette Mail, patients will be able to grow two plants at home. The government will authorize a maximum of 15 cannabis producers and 60 dispensaries for the time being.

You won't necessarily lose your driver's license

A second major breakthrough for cannabis enthusiasts: they will not necessarily lose their driver’s license if they are found with cannabis in their vehicle. Previously, the suspension was immediate and applied to everyone without exception. Starting on July 2017, offenses will be handled on a case-by-case basis. However, minors (under 21) caught with cannabis in their car will have their driver’s license suspended for 6 months.

The manager NORML West Virginia is pleased about this: »If you lose your driver’s license, there’s a 40% chance you’ll lose your job.»

Industrial hemp for all farmers

At the same time, the state’s second chamber of the legislature has just approved the «House Bill 2453» unanimously (99-0). This measure allows all agricultural professionals to begin growing industrial hemp. They will simply need to apply for a user license from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Théo Caillart