Medical cannabis during cancer care in West Virginia
If you or someone you love is going through cancer treatment, the last thing you need is a confusing application. The good news is that cancer is the most straightforward line on West Virginia's list. The work is mostly logistics.
Cancer is listed with no qualifiers
West Virginia's Medical Cannabis Act lists "cancer" as a serious medical condition, with no stage, type or symptom attached. A registered physician still has to certify you, and your diagnosis must be part of your continuing care, but you are not trying to fit a narrow description.
A second entry may also apply. The law separately lists being terminally ill, meaning a medical prognosis of about one year or less to live if the illness runs its normal course. Either entry is enough. Your physician will choose the one that fits.
Keep your oncology team in the loop
The physician who certifies you must be an MD or DO fully licensed in West Virginia and registered with the Office of Medical Cannabis. That may not be your oncologist. If it is someone else, bring a recent summary of your diagnosis and treatment plan from your cancer team.
Just as important, tell your oncologist you plan to use medical cannabis. Cancer treatment often involves several medicines at once, and the people managing that treatment should know everything you take. Ask them directly about timing around chemotherapy, surgery or other procedures.
Let someone else do the running
During treatment, a trip to a dispensary may be one errand too many, especially if the nearest one is a long drive. West Virginia lets a patient name up to two caregivers. A spouse, adult child or close friend can apply.
Caregivers need proof of West Virginia residency, a photo ID, a photo, a Caregiver Designation form signed by you and notarized, and a fingerprint-based background check. The caregiver fee is $50 and can be waived for financial hardship. Our caregiver guide has the full list.
If the patient is a child, a caregiver is required, and it must be a parent or legal guardian.
Rather not drive to an appointment?
Online evaluations are available for West Virginia residents. Before you pay, ask how the physicians handle the in-person part of continuing care that the state law mentions. Code DRWDY85872 takes 5% off.
Book my evaluation →Forms that may be easier during treatment
West Virginia allows these forms:
- Pills
- Oils, tinctures and liquids
- Topicals, including gels, creams and ointments
- Dermal patches
- Forms for vaporization or nebulization, including flower
Smoking is banned. Dispensaries do not sell edibles, though patients and caregivers may make their own at home to aid ingestion. If swallowing pills or tolerating smells is hard during treatment, raise that with your physician. Our edibles guide explains the homemade rule.
What research suggests
Researchers have looked at cannabis for symptoms that often come with cancer and its treatment, such as nausea, appetite loss, pain and sleep trouble. Some studies suggest benefits for certain symptoms in certain patients, and others are less encouraging. Medical cannabis is not a treatment for cancer itself, and it should never replace the care your oncology team recommends.
Money and paperwork
The patient fee is $50. If household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level, you can ask OMC to waive it with proof of income, and you should not send payment with that request. The certification visit is priced separately by the physician.
Allow at least 30 days from the time OMC receives your application and payment. If time matters, apply as soon as you have your certification, and pay by ACH rather than mailing a check.
Treatment in another state
Some West Virginians travel out of state for cancer care. That creates a real problem: OMC says patients and caregivers may not travel outside West Virginia with medical cannabis, and the card is valid only in West Virginia.
The 2017 Act gave the state power to make reciprocity agreements so terminally ill West Virginia cancer patients could buy in another state. We found no such agreement in place. If you will be treated across a state line, talk with your care team there about your options, and do not carry West Virginia product with you.
What to do this week
Ask your cancer team for a short summary letter. Find a physician on OMC's registered list, or ask whether your oncology practice has one. Decide whether you want a caregiver and, if so, get the designation form notarized. Then follow the application guide step by step. When you are approved, set a reminder for renewal, since the card lasts one year.
Questions people ask
Can I use my WV card if I travel for cancer treatment in another state?
No. OMC says patients may not travel outside West Virginia with medical cannabis, and the card is valid only in West Virginia. The 2017 Act let the state make reciprocity agreements for terminally ill cancer patients, but we found no agreement in place.
Can my spouse pick up my medicine?
Your spouse can apply to be your caregiver. Caregivers need proof of West Virginia residency, a notarized designation form signed by you, a fingerprint background check and a $50 fee that can be waived for hardship.
Should I tell my oncologist?
Yes. Tell everyone treating you that you are a medical cannabis patient so they can watch for interactions with your treatment.
Worth reading next
Sources
This page explains West Virginia rules in plain language and is not medical or legal advice; the Office of Medical Cannabis and your certifying physician have the final word.