The Parkersburg checklist
Work through these in order. Each one depends on the one before it.
- Confirm your condition is one of the 15 serious medical conditions in West Virginia law. Your physician decides whether yours fits.
- Find a registered physician. Look under Wood County on OMC's registered physician list, then neighboring counties if nothing is close.
- Get certified. Bring records that show your diagnosis as part of your continuing care.
- Gather a photo ID, a passport-quality digital photo, and proof of residency from the DMV's accepted list.
- Apply in OMC's Complia portal. Pay $50 by ACH or a mailed check or money order, or request the hardship waiver.
- Allow at least 30 days from the time OMC receives your application and payment.
- Download your card, then find a dispensary on the official list.
Who can sign your certification
Only an MD or DO who is fully licensed in West Virginia and registered with the Office of Medical Cannabis. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners are not included in the law's definition. Registration is separate from a medical license: the physician applies to OMC and completes a required four-hour course. So ask any doctor you call whether they are registered, then confirm on the list.
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 someone else needs to help
If the patient is a child, or an adult who has trouble getting out, think about a caregiver card early. Patients under 18 must have a caregiver who is a parent or legal guardian, and the caregiver application must be ready before the minor can be approved. A patient can name up to two caregivers. Caregivers need a notarized designation form signed by the patient and a fingerprint background check. The caregiver guide lists the rest.
Finding a dispensary
OMC's dispensary list gives each store's address, county and phone number. We do not name stores. Look under Wood County first, call ahead about hours and stock, and bring your card. Our dispensary guide covers what you can buy and what happens on a first visit.
Stay on the West Virginia side
Ohio is right across the river from Parkersburg. OMC says licensed patients and caregivers may not travel outside West Virginia with medical cannabis, and the card is valid only in West Virginia. If you work or shop on the Ohio side, keep your medical cannabis at home.
A few other rules apply wherever you are in the state. Keep product in its original dispensary package and carry your card. Smoking is banned, though vaporizing is allowed. Patients are not exempt from impaired-driving laws. The complete patient rules page has the details.
Nearby city guides
Down I-77, the Charleston guide covers Kanawha County. East along US 50, the Clarksburg guide covers Harrison County. If you are ready to start, step one on the checklist is a phone call to a registered physician.
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Sources
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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.