
Navigating the Path to Your Medical Cannabis Card in West Virginia
Jan 10, 2024
In West Virginia, the doors to alternative healthcare have swung wide open with the legalization of medical cannabis. For those seeking natural relief from various debilitating conditions, obtaining a medical cannabis card is the key to unlocking this new realm of possibilities. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to secure your medical cannabis card in the Mountain State.

Step 1 - Seeing a Physician
Senate Bill 386 was signed into law by Governor Jim Justice on April 19, 2017, creating the Medical Cannabis Act that allows for cannabis to be used for certified medical use by a West Virginia resident with one of the following serious medical conditions:
- 1Cancer
- 2HIV / AIDS
- 3Multiple Sclerosis
- 4Terminal Diagnoses
- 5Parkinson’s Disease
- 6Spinal Cord Damage
- 7Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- 8Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- 9Epilepsy
- 10Neuropathy
- 11Huntington’s Disease
- 12Chronic or Intractable Pain
- 13Crohn’s Disease
- 14Intractable Seizures
- 15Sickle Cell Anemia
A registered physician will evaluate your diagnosis and need for medical cannabis. If the physician recommends medical cannabis, they will send the Office of Medical Cannabis an electronic certification that will be included with your application to the state. A current list of physicians authorized to certify patients for medical cannabis in West Virginia can be found at omc.wv.gov.
Step 2 - Applying for a Medical Cannabis Card
Applications for medical cannabis cards through the State of West Virginia are submitted at https://wv-public.mycomplia.com/.
Instructions on completing your application can be found by clicking the user guide here.
Applications are processed in the order they are received, typically within 30 days. If there are any problems with your application, the Office of Medical Cannabis will contact you via email to make corrections.
Required Documents
1. Digital Photo
Submit a current photo of yourself. This photo will be used on your medical cannabis card, if approved, and should be a clear, front-facing photo of your head and shoulders. Remove hats and sunglasses and avoid using filters. This photo should resemble (but not be a copy of) a passport or drivers license photo.
2. Photo ID
Submit a copy of your driver's license, state ID, or passport. Your photo ID should be clearly legible and not expired.
3. Proof of Residency
Submit a copy of a utility bill, vehicle or voter registration, lease agreement, or other document establishing West Virginia residency.
4. Hardship Waiver
Patients requesting a waiver of the $50 application fee must submit proof of income. W2’s or pay stubs within 30 days are acceptable. Statements of benefits showing enrollment in low-income assistance programs are also acceptable, such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI / SSDI, or Section 8 (HUD).
Step 3 - Application Processing Fee
There is a $50 application fee for both initial and renewal applications for medical cannabis cards. Payment can be made via electronic payment (ACH) as a part of your application, or in the form of a check or money order mailed to our office with your application number written in the memo line.
Patients may request the $50 fee be waived based on financial hardship. Proof of hardship will need to be provided as a part of your application. W2s or pay stubs dated within 30 days are acceptable proof. Benefit statements showing participation in low-income assistance programs at the state and federal level (such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI / SSDI, or Section 8 (HUD) housing) are also acceptable proof.
Please include applicant legal first name and last name and application referent number in the memo line of the check. App record ID will generate after you submit will be in the submission email.