At-home cultivation is one of the best things that can come with cannabis legalization. Unfortunately, this and legalization don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand, and not all states allow for this type of weed growth.
That’s why, today, we’re focusing on the Mountain State and asking the question: can you grow weed in West Virginia?
Let’s find out.
How Does WV Feel About Weed?
Before we talk about at-home cultivation laws, it’s important to understand how West Virginia feels about weed in the first place.
The Mountain State first legalized medical marijuana back in 2017, after the state had tried for the previous five years to pass laws regarding the subject.
Finally, after tons of debate and public outcry, the state finally passed the West Virginia Cannabis Act of 2017.
Unfortunately for residents of WV, dispensaries didn’t actually open up in the state until another five years later.
It took some time, but the state finally has a proper medical marijuana program in place — and residents can easily buy their weed from licensed dispensaries. As long as you have a medical marijuana card, that is.
Currently, recreational cannabis is not yet legal in West Virginia, and it’s unclear when that will happen. Thus, having a medical card is the only way to gain access to high-quality, legal weed in the state.
Can You Grow Weed in West Virginia?
So, can you grow weed in West Virginia? Is at-home cultivation legal for medical marijuana cardholders?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot grow weed in West Virginia.
The state has not legalized at-home cultivation for residents or MMJ cardholders. It is simply illegal to try to grow plants in your space, so don’t try to do it!
Where is At-Home Cultivation Legal in the US?
If you can’t grow weed in West Virginia, where can you grow cannabis at home in the rest of the United States?
Here is a list of states that have currently legalized at-home cultivation in the US:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
While these states do have legal cannabis cultivation, the number of plants you can grow per household is going to vary significantly.
So, keep that in mind and always take a look at the regulations in your area surrounding at-home cannabis cultivation.
The Benefits of Having an MMJ Card in WV
At-home cannabis cultivation may not be legal in West Virginia, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t huge benefits to having an MMJ card in the state.
As we mentioned, recreational — or adult-use — cannabis is not yet legal in WV. Thus, having your MMJ card is the only way you can legally enjoy the plant.
Black market cannabis is going to be super low-quality, as well as illegal, and it’s not worth the risk to buy.
If recreational weed is legalized in the future, having a medical card will grant you access to discounts that only medical cardholders can get. You’ll also receive priority service.
Finally, having a medical card allows you employee protection in the case of drug testing.
So, if this is something that concerns you, getting a medical card is the way to go. (However, you should note that this does vary depending on the type of job: government, federal, state, etc.)
How to Get a Medical Card Online in West Virginia
If you’re interested in getting your medical card in West Virginia, the best way to do it is online through a platform like Elevate Holistics.
Elevate Holistics is a telemedicine company that helps patients get access to the medical cannabis cards they deserve.
You’ll meet with our doctors over the phone or computer and talk about your medical history.
If they find that you qualify for medical cannabis in WV, you’ll get your recommendation emailed to you within 24-48 hours.
It really is that simple to get your medical card online in West Virginia. Click the button below to get started.
