Exciting news! On November 12, West Virginia’s first medical cannabis dispensary — Trulieve — opened its doors in Morgantown. A second location opened today in Weston.

Last week, the West Virginia Senate passed HB 590, a bill that would allow medical cannabis patients to obtain edible products from dispensaries, in a 26-8 vote. This would be an important upgrade to the state’s medical cannabis law, which currently prohibits the sale of edibles. Next, the bill will be considered by the House of Delegates.

Last Tuesday, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice indicated that his opposition to cannabis legalization is “weakening” because medical experts say cannabis regulation is helping to mitigate drug-related problems in other jurisdictions. He expressed some reservations but said he would be willing to sign a legalization bill if the House and Senate approved it. This is a remarkable development! Unfortunately, legislators seem to be more interested in maintaining regressive policies than considering legalization.

This year, several senators, led by Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo (R-Kanawha), are trying to improve the program by introducing SB 231. This important bill would eliminate the prohibition on edibles and smoking and allow patients and caregivers to obtain temporary certifications to grow their own plants. Medical practitioners would be authorized to issue “compassion certificates,” which would allow possession of up to 12 mature plants and 12 seedlings per patient.

Since April 19, 2017, when Gov. Jim Justice signed West Virginia’s medical cannabis bill into law, patients have been waiting for the program to become operational. Fortunately, the wait finally appears to be nearing an end. The state’s Office of Medical Cannabis announced last week that permits have been granted for 100 dispensaries across the state, and today they opened the process for patients to begin registering for the program.

Visit the Secretary of State’s website to register or verify your registration and request an absentee ballot — the primary election is scheduled for June 9! In the wake of yet another disappointing legislative session for cannabis advocates in West Virginia, the 2020 election season presents an important opportunity to replace prohibitionists with public officials who are serious about legalizing cannabis. The primary election is scheduled for June 9, but you may also choose to vote early or by…

On Tuesday, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice signed SB 339, a bill that authorizes rulemaking by the Department of Health and Human Resources. The final version of the bill included an amendment adding “dry leaf or plant form” to the list of acceptable forms of medical cannabis. As a result, it appears that when dispensaries open, they will be able to sell cannabis flower to patients! Thanks to all who contacted their legislators and helped secure this important victory. The legislature is no…

Tell your elected officials to support reforming West Virginia’s outdated cannabis policies! West Virginia’s 2020 legislative session is underway, and several cannabis-related bills have been introduced, including bills to improve the medical cannabis law, to decriminalize possession, and to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis for adults’ use. It is unlikely that a legalization bill will be seriously considered in 2020, but there appears to be a much better chance that legislators will support…

If you live in West Virginia, urge your elected officials to support cannabis policy reforms in 2019! West Virginia's 2019 legislative session began yesterday, and several bills are expected to be introduced in the coming days to reform marijuana laws, including a bill to improve the medical cannabis law, a decriminalization bill, and an adult-use legalization bill. Please email your delegates and senators and urge them to support reforming marijuana laws in 2019! Legislative leaders have already…

Learn where candidates stand on marijuana policy before you vote on Tuesday, November 6! West Virginia’s general election will take place next Tuesday, November 6. The outcome of state legislative races will be critical in determining the future of marijuana policy in West Virginia. There are also strong contrasts between the candidates in races for U.S Congress: • State Sen. Richard Ojeda (D), who championed West Virginia’s medical cannabis bill and strongly supports federal reforms, is running…