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West Virginia WV Cannabis Legalization Status, Current Laws & Job Prospects in the weed, marijuana & hemp industry

WV West Virginia Cannabis Legal Status, Laws, and Jobs 2024

West Virginia Cannabis Legalization

Medical: Legal for qualified patients since April 19, 2017, but with limitations compared to states with established recreational programs. The medical program operates separately.
Recreational: Not legal. There have been attempts through ballot measures and legislative proposals, but none have been successful.

Current WV Cannabis Laws:

  • Possession: Any amount of cannabis is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, a conditional discharge with probation is possible for a first offense of less than 15 grams.
  • Medical: Qualifying patients with valid registration cards can legally possess limited quantities of cannabis flower and other approved products. Edibles are not legal in the medical program.
  • Consumption: Public consumption of cannabis is prohibited for both recreational and medical use. Private consumption remains illegal for recreational use, while medical patients have limitations and specific guidelines.
  • Driving: Driving under the influence of cannabis is a DUI and carries significant consequences.
  • Sales: Selling or cultivating cannabis, regardless of quantity or medical status, is a felony with serious legal repercussions.

Cannabis Job Prospects in WV:

  • Continued Debate: Public support for both medical and recreational legalization is steadily increasing in West Virginia, even though there’s strong opposition from certain government officials.
  • Legislative Focus: Proposals for medical cannabis expansion and even recreational legalization might be considered in the legislature, although their success remains uncertain.
  • CBD Products: Low-THC CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are legally available for purchase and consumption in West Virginia.

West Virginia Cannabis FAQs:

Do I need a medical card to go to a WV dispensary?

Yes, you absolutely need a medical card to visit a dispensary in West Virginia. Recreational cannabis sales are still illegal in the state, and access to dispensaries is strictly limited to registered medical marijuana patients. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Medical Card Requirement:

  • Only individuals with a valid West Virginia medical marijuana card can legally purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries.
  • No medical card, no entry. This applies to everyone, regardless of residency or medical conditions.

Obtaining a Medical Card:

  • West Virginia has a medical marijuana program where qualifying patients can register and obtain a card.
  • This requires a consultation with a registered physician who can certify your eligibility based on specific medical conditions listed in the state program.
  • You can find more information on the process and required documents on the Office of Medical Cannabis website: https://omc.wv.gov/patient-application

Important Points:

  • Possessing or using cannabis without a medical card is illegal in West Virginia and can result in penalties.
  • Sharing or selling cannabis, even to other medical patients, is also illegal.
  • Driving under the influence of cannabis is a serious offense with potential legal consequences.

Resources:

Remember, the laws and regulations surrounding cannabis are constantly evolving. It’s crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest information and ensure you comply with all applicable laws in West Virginia.

I hope this clarifies the need for a medical card in West Virginia dispensaries. Feel free to ask if you have any other questions!

How do I become a registered hemp grower in West Virginia?

To become a registered hemp grower in West Virginia, you need to follow a specific process:

1. Eligibility:

  • You must be 18 years of age or older.
  • You cannot have a felony conviction involving controlled substances within the past 10 years.
  • You must own or lease land suitable for hemp cultivation in West Virginia.

2. Application and License:

  • Submit an application for an Industrial Hemp License to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s Division of Plant Industries.
  • The application requires detailed information about your growing operation, including the location, intended varieties, and acreage.
  • Pay the licensing fee of $200.

3. Inspection and Approval:

  • After submitting your application, the Department of Agriculture will conduct an inspection of your proposed growing site.
  • This inspection verifies compliance with state regulations and best practices for hemp cultivation.
  • If your application and inspection are approved, you will receive an Industrial Hemp License.

4. Additional requirements:

  • You must register each lot of hemp seed you plan to plant with the Department of Agriculture.
  • You must comply with all applicable state and federal regulations for hemp cultivation, including testing requirements.
  • You must keep detailed records of your hemp cultivation activities for inspection purposes.

Resources:

Additional tips:

  • Consider attending grower workshops or contacting the Department of Agriculture for assistance with the application process.
  • Network with other hemp growers in West Virginia to learn best practices and share information.
  • Stay informed about changes in state and federal hemp regulations.

Becoming a registered hemp grower in West Virginia requires careful planning and adherence to regulations. However, it can be a rewarding and profitable venture for those who can successfully cultivate and market this versatile crop.

Is cannabidiol (CBD) legal in WV?

Yes, CBD is legal in West Virginia with some specific conditions:

Hemp-derived CBD is legal:

  • It must be sourced from hemp plants containing 0.3% THC or less.
  • This includes various CBD products like oils, edibles, vapes, and topicals.
  • You can find these products in stores like gas stations, convenience stores, and specialty shops.

Marijuana-derived CBD requires a medical card:

  • Products containing more than 0.3% THC fall under the state’s Medical Marijuana Program.
  • Only registered patients with a valid medical marijuana card can access these CBD products from licensed dispensaries.

Important points to remember:

  • The FDA hasn’t approved CBD for use in food or dietary supplements, so products containing CBD may not be labeled as such.
  • Some cities and counties might have additional regulations regarding CBD sales.

Resources:

As cannabis laws are constantly evolving, it’s important to stay informed by checking with the resources listed above for the latest updates.

Important Note:

  • The legal landscape surrounding cannabis in West Virginia is restrictive and penalties for possession are strict.
  • It is crucial to be aware of the legal risks associated with possessing, consuming, or selling cannabis in West Virginia, even in small amounts.

Explore More U.S. State Cannabis Laws

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PIERCE REDFERN

Sales & Production

I am native to Richmond and attended Collegiate School and The University of Alabama. I am married to my wife, Lauren, and we have two children together, Palmer and Hendley. Graham is my older brother and I have been with the company since the fall of 2022.

I enjoy hunting, fishing and just about anything outdoors. Graham’s strong passion for this industry motivates others to excel, including myself. I love the team we have together now and can’t wait to see what the future holds for Redfern Hemp Co.!

GLORIA RAMIREZ

Kitchen Production

Gloria is from Guatemala. She moved to Virginia in 2023 and began working with the Redfern Team.

Gloria plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our products are precisely packaged using our quality control SOP guidelines.

ROB UJEVIC

Outside Sales

I’m from Reston, VA currently living in Richmond and Engaged with no kids yet… I began working for Redfern after my original venture, Gourmet Hemp Foods, partnered with them. I love Redfern cause they offer freedom and flexibility to grow.

Redfern is family oriented and serves the community and customers with utmost diligence. Graham Redfern is the hardest working leader I’ve ever had the privilege to work for!

WHITNEY MORGAN

Market Manager

I’m from Caroline County, Virginia and I am married to my husband Ryan. I’ve worked with Redfern Hemp Co. a little over two years. Before that I was a nanny and I worked as a pediatric dental assistant.

I handle online sales and a few outside wholesale accounts. Working with Redfern is a dream job I never thought I’d have.

We are a true family. We work like one, and argue like one. As a team we are flexible and have a real love for the plant and what it can do. There is no limit for the plant so there is no limit for us.

For example, my mom suffered from hair loss after Covid. She started to add Redfrn’s Whole Plant Tincture into her shampoo and conditioner and it helped her hair regrow. The plant is magic!

TIFFANY OBLINSKY

HR & Administration

Tiffany is the anchor of our team, ensuring that we stay organized and that the company’s operations are always running smoothly. During her free time, Tiffany enjoys taking her family to Lake Anna while simultaneously keeping Graham in line from her smartphone!

Corey Reed

Social Media Manager

Hi, I’m Corey. Originally from Charlotte, NC, I’ve called Virginia my second home for over 12 years. With a 10-year background in healthcare and nursing, and 5 years in content creation and social media, I’ve developed a diverse skill set. In my free time, I enjoy creating content, writing music, fishing, and being the best father I can be. Working with Graham and the Redfern team has been a dream come true. It has allowed me to pursue my passions for content creation, health and wellness, community morale, and making meaningful connections. At Redfern Hemp Co, I oversee the social media side of the business. You can also catch me at Redfern Market, so feel free to stop by and say hi!

COURTNEY KUSTERER

Production / Sales / Event Manager

Knowledgeable and passionate about the hemp plant, Courtney is an all around asset to our company. Since her early days with Graham in Waynesboro, she has acquired invaluable insights and business knowledge to help the success of our small business. Her ability to tell the Redfern story is unmatched. If you’ve ever seen one of our event setups, you can tell that Courtney had her creative ideas flowing. She has built a strong wholesale portfolio, while strengthening our network of industry connections. Her expertise in directing customers to the right products is undeniable, playing a pivotal role in assisting Graham in building the company from the ground up. In her free time, Courtney enjoys moments on the farm with Graham and their farm family of cat, cows, chickens, ducks, and dogs. She also values family time at Virginia Tech football games and moments on the boat or at the beach.

GRAHAM REDFERN

Owner & Hemp Farmer

Before I became an American hemp farmer and entrepreneur, I first heard of the hemp industry during a period when my construction business thrived, but the housing crash of 2009 changed everything. While visiting Asheville, North Carolina, I encountered a groundbreaking green building – a house made 90% from hemp, from the flooring to the walls, excluding only electrical components and appliances.

Intrigued, I consulted with Andrea Herman, president of the Hemp Industries of America, spending an hour and $150 to understand the challenges of building such houses in the U.S.. When Andrea explained the steep costs preventing widespread use of U.S.-grown hemp, it ignited a passion in me. I questioned, “Why not?” This moment became a catalyst for my deep dive into the hemp industry.

Passage of the Farm Bills

In 2014, the passing of the Farm Bill allowed universities to grow hemp, prompting me to shift from the car industry. Initially unsure of my path, I invested in penny hemp stocks and connected with the Virginia Industrial Hemp Coalition, working with universities such as JMU, UVA, VSU, and Virginia Tech to explore potential markets.

For four years, restricted by regulations to work with universities, I delved into the banking industry. When the 2019 Farm Bill dismantled barriers, allowing American farmers to cultivate cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC, my dream took a leap. Redfern Hemp Co. was born, marking the legal sale of hemp products in Virginia for the first time in over seventy years. With my girlfriend Courtney, we hustled – attending state fairs, cultivating hemp on our 42-acre Caroline County farm, and navigating the burgeoning industry. Fast-forward to 2023, and despite being one of the few companies remaining, we face challenges.

Unfortunately, Virginia lawmakers have strained our efforts, declaring federally legal cannabinoid-derived hemp products illegal unless sold by a select few medical marijuana operators.

In the face of Virginia’s attempt to monopolize medical marijuana, we persist in expanding cannabis job opportunities for all Virginians.

We champion Virginians’ rights to affordable, high-quality products, battling against restrictive legislation. It’s disheartening to see the government hindering the benefits of this plant, including job creation and increased taxation.

Restoring Virginia’s Hemp Farming Legacy

There was a time when Virginian hemp farmers paid taxes with hemp. Reintroducing low-dosage, safe cannabinoid products in smoke shops, convenience stores, and local markets could restore this tradition on a broader scale than a handful of licensees. We’re committed to reclaiming this birthright, enabling Virginians to pay their taxes with hemp once again.

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