Only two kinds of license count
In West Virginia, the only people who can certify you for medical cannabis are doctors of allopathic medicine (MD) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO) who are fully licensed to practice medicine and surgery in the state. That rule is the same online as in person.
Physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses are not included in the law's definition. If a website offers you a nurse practitioner, that visit will not produce a valid West Virginia certification.
The physician also has to be registered with the Office of Medical Cannabis. That means applying to OMC, completing a required four-hour course, and showing they are qualified to treat the listed conditions. OMC counted 125 registered physicians as of September 30, 2026.
What OMC says about online visits
OMC's own website sends patients toward telemedicine. Its Schedule an Appointment page lists telemedicine companies with West Virginia registered physicians and tells you to click a company name to "schedule a virtual appointment." On September 30, 2026, OMC counted 26 telemedicine companies.
For renewals, OMC's FAQ says to schedule your annual appointment with a registered physician "in-person or online."
What the law says
The statute is less clear. Chapter 16A defines "continuing care" as including an in-person consultation with the patient, and a physician can only certify a patient who is under their continuing care. We found no West Virginia law written specifically to allow telehealth for cannabis certification. A general telehealth bill in 2026, HB 5615, died in committee and did not mention cannabis.
So here is the honest version. The Office of Medical Cannabis lists telemedicine companies and says visits can be online; the law itself still refers to in-person consultation as part of continuing care, so ask the provider how they handle it. If you want to be sure, ask OMC too.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is the physician an MD or a DO, and what is their name?
- Is that physician registered with the West Virginia Office of Medical Cannabis?
- How do you handle the in-person consultation the law mentions as part of continuing care?
- What is the full price, and does it change for the renewal visit next year?
- Which records do you want from me before the visit?
- How will I receive my certification so I can upload it to the state portal?
A company that answers these plainly is a good sign. One that dodges the physician's name is not.
Check the physician yourself
Do not take anyone's word for registration, ours included. OMC publishes a registered physician list organized by county, with separate sections for out-of-state registered physicians and telehealth companies. Find the name you were given and make sure it is there.
One option we link to
Online evaluations are available for West Virginia residents, and code DRWDY85872 takes 5% off. Ask the same questions above, especially about the in-person part. We do not know online prices for West Virginia, and nobody can promise you will be certified.
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 →When in person makes more sense
If a registered physician practices in your county, an office visit takes the continuing-care question off the table. It can also be simpler if your records sit with a local health system the physician can already see. Look at the county list, weigh the drive against the uncertainty, and choose what you are comfortable with.
Not sure your condition qualifies? Check the qualifying conditions list before you pay for any visit. Once you have your certification, the application guide takes you through the portal, the cost page covers the $50 fee and waiver, and the renewal page explains next year's visit.
Questions people ask
Is telehealth certification authorized by West Virginia law?
We found no statute that specifically authorizes telehealth for cannabis certification. OMC lists telemedicine companies and says visits can be online, but the law's definition of continuing care mentions an in-person consultation. Confirm with the provider and with OMC whether an in-person visit is required.
Can a nurse practitioner certify me over video?
No. Only a doctor of allopathic or osteopathic medicine who is fully licensed in West Virginia and registered with OMC can certify a patient, whether the visit is in person or online.
Can an out-of-state physician certify me?
OMC's registered physician list includes a section for out-of-state registered physicians. The physician still has to hold a valid West Virginia license and be registered with OMC.
How much does an online visit cost?
OMC does not publish visit prices. Each company sets its own, so ask for the full price before you book.
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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.