West Virginia Medical Marijuana Caregiver Requirements 2026
West Virginia's medical cannabis program, administered by the Bureau for Public Health, allows patients to designate caregivers to assist with obtaining and administering their medicine. The program has been expanding with more dispensaries opening across the state.
Quick Facts: West Virginia Caregiver Program
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $50 |
| Card Validity | 1 year |
| Max Patients | 5 |
| Processing Time | Up to 30 days |
| Home Cultivation | Not permitted |
| Minimum Age | 21 years old |
| Residency | West Virginia resident required |
Who Can Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in West Virginia?
Age & Residency:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must be a West Virginia resident
- Must possess valid West Virginia identification
Background Check Requirements:
- State criminal background check required
- Disqualifying offenses include:
- Felony drug convictions (lifetime lookback)
- Violent felony convictions
- Lifetime lookback for most drug offenses
- No fingerprinting required
Additional Requirements:
- Cannot be a registered patient yourself
- Must be designated by qualifying patients
- Cannot have ownership in a cannabis business
How to Register as a West Virginia Caregiver: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Patient Designation Up to 5 qualifying patients can designate you as their caregiver.
Step 2: Create DHHR Account Visit the West Virginia DHHR Medical Cannabis Program portal.
Step 3: Complete Application Submit your caregiver application with:
- Personal identification
- Proof of West Virginia residency
- Patient designation confirmation(s)
Step 4: Background Check Authorize criminal background check.
Step 5: Pay Registration Fee Submit the $50 registration fee.
Step 6: Receive Your Card Once approved (up to 30 days), your caregiver ID card will be issued.
Required Documents for West Virginia Caregiver Registration
- Valid West Virginia driver's license or state-issued ID
- Proof of West Virginia residency
- Caregiver application
- Background check authorization
- $50 registration fee
West Virginia Caregiver Rights and Responsibilities
What Caregivers CAN Do:
- Purchase medical cannabis from licensed West Virginia dispensaries
- Possess up to a 30-day supply per patient
- Transport cannabis between dispensary and patients
- Assist up to 5 patients simultaneously
- Administer medicine to designated patients
What Caregivers CANNOT Do:
- Grow marijuana plants (not permitted in WV)
- Be a registered patient yourself
- Have ownership in a cannabis business
- Transfer cannabis to non-cardholders
- Exceed possession limits
Possession Limits for West Virginia Caregivers
- Per Patient: 30-day supply as determined by practitioner
- Maximum Patients: 5
- Product Types: Approved forms from licensed dispensaries (no smokable flower initially)
- Tracking: All purchases tracked through state system
Costs and Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Caregiver Registration | $50 |
| Annual Renewal | $50 |
| Replacement Card | $25 |
West Virginia's Developing Program
West Virginia's medical cannabis program is still developing:
- Dispensary Network: Expanding across the state
- Product Forms: Initially limited, expanding over time
- Access: More dispensaries opening in rural areas
- Patient Growth: Program enrollment increasing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can West Virginia caregivers grow cannabis? No. Home cultivation is not permitted in West Virginia. All medical cannabis must be purchased from licensed dispensaries.
How many patients can a West Virginia caregiver serve? West Virginia allows caregivers to serve up to 5 patients simultaneously.
Can I be both a patient and caregiver in West Virginia? No. West Virginia does not allow individuals to hold both patient and caregiver registrations.
How much does it cost to become a West Virginia caregiver? The registration fee is $50 per year.
How long does West Virginia caregiver approval take? Applications are typically processed within 30 days.
What forms of cannabis are available in West Virginia? West Virginia's program has been expanding product offerings. Check with local dispensaries for current availability.
Official Resources
- West Virginia DHHR - Medical Cannabis
- Patient & Caregiver Registration
- Find West Virginia Dispensaries
- West Virginia Medical Cannabis Act
Get Your West Virginia Medical Marijuana Card
MMJ.com connects West Virginia patients with certified physicians for convenient evaluations. Get your card and designate a caregiver today.