During this month we had some news that could change the medical marijuana program in West Virginia for the better. The state medical cannabis advisory board met to discuss expanding the program to cover more medical conditions than those currently on the qualifying conditions list. This would make West Virginia an all conditions state.
But what does this really mean? How does it help the residents of West Virginia? Is it even going to happen?
These are all questions that are very valid! The West Virginia medical marijuana program is known for being notoriously slow. This has caused a lot of problems in the state and further delays the relief that patients deserve.
This new expansion allowing all conditions to qualify for medical marijuana in West Virginia could make up for all the issues the program has been having.
At West Virginia Marijuana Card, we believe that patients should be at the forefront of the medical marijuana program. We are dismayed as much as the patients that there are no dispensaries open yet even though the program passed in 2017.
What Does “All Conditions” Really Mean?
Adding all conditions could make the program easier for all residents of West Virginia. So what does this mean?
All conditions means that any and all conditions can qualify a patient for medical marijuana treatment in the state. Let’s take Louisiana for example as they have a fully functioning medical marijuana program and is also an all conditions state.
In Louisiana, you don’t have to have a specific diagnosis in order to receive treatment. You can have any diagnosis whatsoever. As long as a doctor believes that medical marijuana can help your condition, you can get approved for a medical marijuana card. This could soon be the case in West Virginia!
What Are the Qualifying Conditions Today?
Although it is looking as though the board will expand the medical marijuana program in West Virginia, there is still a strict list of specific medical conditions that you must be diagnosed with in order to qualify for treatment today.
Here is a list of the conditions:
As you can see this is a pretty short list considering the wide variety of conditions that medical marijuana can help treat.
Benefits of Being an “All Conditions” State
There are a plethora of benefits that will come with being an all conditions state if the board allows it. One of the major things is that it puts the patient's needs first. It allows for more people to access medical marijuana to help treat their conditions.
It also can do a lot of good for the state as a whole. When programs have a limited amount of conditions that qualify, what they are really doing is limiting the amount of money that the state can get from the medical marijuana program. After the patients' needs, the residents of the state’s needs come next. Being an all conditions state can bring more funds to West Virginia and help better it overall!
Allowing all conditions to access medical marijuana treatment also helps fight the stigma that surrounds marijuana in general. There is a stereotype that you have to have the worst of the worst conditions in order to even think about trying medical marijuana treatment. That idea couldn’t be further from reality. A person doesn’t have to be terminally ill or have stage 4 cancer in order to benefit from medical marijuana treatment. Every day individuals dealing with anxiety or any other common condition can also benefit from marijuana as well.
Can I Get My Medical Marijuana Card in WV?
Even though there are no dispensaries open just yet, they are planning on being up and running by this summer!
You can absolutely get your medical marijuana card today with us and be prepared for the day your local dispensary opens. You can make an appointment online or call our compassionate patient support staff to answer any and all of your questions!
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
West Virginia Marijuana Card’s mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at 877-303-8424, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out West Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in West Virginia.