Having access to medical marijuana products in West Virginia is dependent on having a medical marijuana card. Without it, you will not be able to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries. To become a registered patient, you must first be evaluated by a doctor to determine whether your medical condition qualifies.
Before you attempt to get a medical marijuana card from your doctor in West Virginia, here are 7 questions you should be asking.
1. Which Marijuana Strains Are Best for Pain?
Indica does wonders for pain. It provides a very relaxing “body high” that encourages deep sleep. It is commonly prescribed to cancer patients for nausea as it helps improve people’s appetite.
Sativa is better for low energy, fatigue, “brain fog” that occurs with fibromyalgia and early dementia, etc. It provides a “head high” that allows you to stay awake and do a lot more without feeling exhausted too soon.
Hybrids are varying combinations of Sativa and Indica that allow you to not fall asleep right away after use but also provide pain relief. You may have to try different strains to see how they affect you. Every strain has a different effect on every person.
2. How Much Medical Marijuana Can I Get With a Medical Card in WV?
West Virginia allows medical marijuana patients to purchase up to a 30-day supply unless the prescription states otherwise.
3. How Do I Get a Medical Marijuana Card in West Virginia?
To get a medical marijuana card you must book a consultation with a licensed doctor. You must be evaluated by a doctor and determine whether your medical condition qualifies for medical marijuana treatment. These are some of the conditions approved under West Virginia law:
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Huntington’s disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Terminal illness (e.g., cancer)
- Neuropathy
- PTSD
- Crohn’s disease
- IBS
- ALS (Lou Gherig’s)
- Chronic pain
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Cancer
- Parkinson’s
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- MD (Muscular Dystrophy)
If your condition qualifies, the doctor will issue a recommendation for medical marijuana. You can then proceed to apply for your card with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and await your card.
4. Can I Buy Medical Marijuana in Another State?
Some states have what is known as “reciprocity laws.” These laws allow you to purchase medical marijuana in states where it is legal to use a medical marijuana card issued in West Virginia. Don’t forget to research the laws in the state you are going to visit beforehand.
5. Does Medical Marijuana Affect Your Wight?
This is a very good question to ask your doctor, especially if you’re already struggling with a medical condition that affects your weight. Your doctors will tell you that Indica strains can reduce pain and increase appetite. To counteract “the munchies” from using Indica, you can ask your doctor if a hybrid blend would be a better choice since hybrid blends don’t usually increase the appetite as much.
6. What Are the Possible Side Effects of Medical Marijuana?
Although there is a very low risk of developing side effects from medical marijuana, studies are still looking into some of the possible downsides: dizziness, slower reaction times, impaired concentration, and more.
7. Do I Have to Smoke Medical Cannabis?
No. Smoking medical marijuana is even prohibited in some states. West Virginia allows registered patients to purchase medical marijuana products ranging from oils to dry leaf. While vaping is allowed, smoking marijuana is prohibited in West Virginia. Other product forms include pills, gels, creams, tinctures, and patches.
Bottom Line
If you are interested in getting a West Virginia medical marijuanas card, make sure that you start by booking a consultation with a state-licensed doctor. It is only with a doctor’s recommendation that you can proceed to apply for a medical card. If you have any questions regarding your evaluation or the application process, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have.