Applying
Do I have to live in West Virginia?
Yes. The law defines a patient as someone who is a resident of the state. You prove it with a document from the DMV's list of acceptable residency documents, along with a photo ID and a passport-quality digital photo.
My regular provider is a nurse practitioner. Can they certify me?
No. In West Virginia only an MD or DO fully licensed in the state can certify, and that physician must be registered with the Office of Medical Cannabis. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners are not included. Our page on seeing a physician online explains how to check that a physician is registered.
Can I pay with Venmo, Cash App or Chime?
No. OMC accepts ACH or a mailed check or money order, and its FAQ specifically says payment apps such as Chime, Venmo and CashApp may not be used. The current checklist says to make checks payable to WV Department of Health.
I can't afford the $50. What now?
If your household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level, ask for the hardship waiver. Upload proof of income, such as a W-2, recent pay stubs or proof of benefit eligibility, and do not send a payment. The cost breakdown covers every fee.
How long until I can actually buy?
OMC asks you to allow at least 30 days from the time it receives your application and payment before you check your status. Add the time it takes to see a physician and gather documents. Our timeline guide breaks it down stage by stage.
Can my teenager get a card?
There is no minimum age, but a patient under 18 must have a caregiver who is a parent or legal guardian. The caregiver's application must be ready before the minor can be approved. See the caregiver guide.
Is there a veterans discount?
We found no veterans discount on the state fee in OMC's materials or in the statute. The hardship waiver is the only official reduction.
Using your card
Does the 30-day limit reset on the first of the month?
No. You can buy up to 6 ounces of flower or 60 grams of concentrate in a rolling 30-day period, unless your physician sets a different amount. OMC says each purchase amount is restored 30 days after the purchase date.
Can I buy gummies or brownies at a dispensary?
No. Dispensaries may not sell edibles. The law lets patients and caregivers make their own to aid ingestion. Our edibles guide covers the rule and the 2026 bill that stalled.
Can I take my medicine on vacation?
Not outside West Virginia. OMC says patients and caregivers may not travel outside the state with medical cannabis, and the card is valid only in West Virginia. Inside the state, the usual rules travel with you: no smoking, product in its original package, card on you. We found no OMC statement that spells out where in public you may use it, so be cautious. The patient rules list everything we could confirm.
I lost my card. What do I do?
The Medical Cannabis Act as passed in 2017 says to apply for a replacement within 10 business days of discovering the loss, and sets a $25 fee for a lost, stolen, destroyed or illegible card. We could not confirm that against the current code, so call OMC at (304) 356-5090 before you pay.
Keeping it
Does a renewal need a new doctor visit?
Yes. You need a new physician certification every year. OMC's FAQ says the annual appointment can be in person or online, and you can file no earlier than 60 days before your card expires. The renewal guide has a table of example dates.
What if my condition gets better?
Your certification is your physician's judgment about your condition. If your physician certified you only until a certain date, the Act says the card ends on that date. At renewal, the physician decides again whether to certify you for another year.
Who do I call when something goes wrong?
For portal or login problems, contact Complia support at [email protected] or (720) 259-8357. For anything about your application, eligibility or the rules, call the Office of Medical Cannabis at (304) 356-5090.
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 →Still have a question we did not answer? OMC's own FAQ page is the official source, and it is worth a read before you apply.
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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.