What is Cannabis?

The two most abundant chemicals in cannabis (marijuana) are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC and CBD work by attaching to cells to cause a reaction. These cells are found all over the body, but are particularly abundant in the brain. THC and CBD have different effects because of how they interact with brain cells. THC affects one’s mind and behavior, whereas CBD does not, though both are thought to lead to beneficial effects to treat various medical conditions. 

Medical Cannabis Uses

Medical cannabis (MC) is used to help treat patients with conditions like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis because these patients have fewer signals that interact with the same cells as THC and CBD. Parkinson’s disease affects 3.76 per 1,000 people in West Virginia (compared to 3.18 per 1,000 nationally). MC is used to help manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms like tremors and pain. MC has been shown to help reduce multiple sclerosis symptoms, including pain and muscle tightness. Multiple sclerosis affects about 1.68 per 1,000 West Virginians (compared to 1.49 per 1,000 nationally). Other studies indicate that MC may help migraine patients experience fewer headaches and decrease pain in patients with fibromyalgia.

Reactions to the use of MC are mixed. Publicly, 87% of Americans say cannabis should be legal for medical use. Some researchers, however, argue that evidence does not support MC’s use for most of the conditions for which it is prescribed. They cite an analysis that concluded that MC was moderately effective at alleviating nausea and vomiting, but did not alleviate many common symptoms such as pain and insomnia. One analysis found that there is not compelling evidence to use MC for Parksinson’s disease, though they did find it alleviated some symptoms. They argue that many studies are poorly designed and recommend additional research to gain a better understanding of MC’s efficacy.

CBD alone has also been investigated to treat several conditions. Studies found that CBD reduces anxiety, which affects a higher number of people in West Virginia (33%) than nationally (28.2%). Furthermore, CBD has been found to have beneficial effects when treating epilepsy, insomnia, diabetes, and schizophrenia. 

There are possible side effects that may occur during cannabis use, though the general consensus is that more research is needed. The most common short-term side effects include euphoria, anxiety, and hallucinations. Others include increased appetite and heart rate, nausea, and vomiting; which are experienced by ~17% of users and generally depend on the dosage and its potency. Some are concerned about long-term effects of cannabis use, as a study found that long-term use leads to a 25% increase in the odds of stroke or heart attack. However, these rates are lower than those found in tobacco users, and similar studies have not been conducted on more conventional treatments for these conditions. Additionally, long-term cannabis smoking may lead to bronchitis or airway inflammation at similar rates as tobacco use.

West Virginia Medical Cannabis

West Virginia allows MC for certain conditions. SB 386 (2017) established the Medical Cannabis Program (MCP). The MCP requires that patients be diagnosed with a serious medical condition, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or a terminal illness. West Virginia allows MC to be dispensed in multiple forms including pills, vapes, and liquid and does not allow MC to be smoked.

The MCP has grown since its inception. In 2025, the Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC) reported a total of 35,394 in the MCP, including 18 minors (who must have a caregiver to administer MC). They also reported no side effects. In October 2025, there were 123 physicians and 26 telemedicine companies registered with the OMC to certify patient eligibility. 

Total West Virginia MC sales rose from ~$3.5 million in November 2022 to ~$7.6 million in November 2025 and incur a 10% sales tax. Taxes and other fees (including application and permitting fees) are appropriated to the Medical Cannabis Program Fund. In total, ~$34 million has been raised but not disbursed. This may be due to cannabis being a Schedule I narcotic in West Virginia and the fund’s unclear legal status. Other states with MC revenue, like Ohio, have disbursed their funds. A recent federal executive order reclassified cannabis to be less restricted, which may alleviate these concerns. HB 5074, which awaits the governor’s approval, allocates this funding. It allots $5 million to both the Supreme Court of Appeals to establish a Child Protection Commission and the Division of Primary Care. It allocates the remaining funding to the OMC, the Department of Agriculture, the Fight Substance Abuse Fund, Marshall and West Virginia University for research, the Child Protection Commission, and the Division of Administrative Services.