One of the frequently asked questions we get from our WV patients is whether CBD is legal in West Virginia. The good news is that the Mountain State has some of the nation’s more lenient CBD laws.
Is CBD Legal in West Virginia?
Hemp products, including CBD, are legal to cultivate, manufacture, and buy in the state of West Virginia. In 2018, Congress passed the most recent Farm Bill, which is notable for removing hemp products from the federal Controlled Substances list. Hemp is the plant from which most CBD products are extracted.
Under federal law, hemp (defined as cannabis plants with .3% or less THC) can now be grown, transmitted across state lines, and manufactured for public use. West Virginia took things a step further in 2019 when Gov. Jim Justice signed a bill modifying the state’s own hemp licensing program and affirming the legality of CBD sales (HB-2694). So if you live in West Virginia, you can enjoy your CBD without fear—as long as it’s derived from hemp.
When purchasing CBD products, make sure that the THC content is no more than .3%. If it contains more than that, it’s legally considered cannabis.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) comes from the cannabis plant. It’s one of over 100 cannabinoids, active cannabis compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The best-known cannabinoid is THC, but while CBD has the same molecular structure as THC (with the molecules in a different order), it won’t get you high. That’s one of the reasons why it’s becoming so popular. The compound appears to be responsible for many of cannabis’s therapeutic effects, but without the buzz.
Cannabidiol is available in a wide array of preparations, including tinctures, edibles, lotions, capsules, vape oils, and more. You can find these products online, in cannabis dispensaries, in vape stores, in certain drugstores, and in a growing number of CBD shops.
Why People in West Virginia Are Interested in CBD
Cannabidiol is used to address an array of common conditions, and although clinical research is still limited, a few studies have found cannabidiol to be promising for chronic pain, anxiety, cancer symptoms, muscle spasms, and diabetes.
One condition for which cannabidiol has shown especially promising is intractable epilepsy. In one study, CBD reduced seizure activity in patients by more than 36%, and additional studies have yielded positive outcomes as well. In fact, the first CBD-based medication ever approved by the FDA is Epidiolex, an epilepsy drug.
Not all CBD users have a specific medical condition, though. Anecdotally, many claim that cannabidiol offers overall wellness benefits.
Cannabis vs CBD
Some proponents argue that whole-plant cannabis is more effective for addressing common health conditions than CBD alone.
Part of the reason is the entourage effect. According to this theory, cannabinoids are more effective when they work in concert with one another. The THC reinforces the CBD and vice versa, and the other 100+ cannabinoids each play their own role.
In addition, THC binds to the body’s cannabinoid receptors while CBD does not. Because different cannabinoids behave differently in the body, each has its own role to play.
If you’ve already tried cannabidiol and have found it ineffective for treating your particular condition, you might be a good candidate for a West Virginia medical marijuana card. If you have a qualifying health condition like HIV, cancer, MS, PTSD, Crohn’s disease, or chronic pain, one of our state-licensed physicians can evaluate you and provide a recommendation.
Is CBD Oil Safe?
Cannabidiol is well-tolerated, however you have to make sure you’re getting a high-quality CBD product. Because CBD oil isn’t regulated or overseen by the Food and Drug Administration, there are a lot of poor-quality products out there.
Some products don’t contain as much cannabidiol as advertised, and some contain none at all. Some products are filled with molds, pesticides, and heavy metals. A certificate of analysis will check for all of these things. Make sure that the certificate comes from a third-party lab (never trust a certificate where the product was tested in-house).
In addition, talk to your doctor if you use blood thinners. Cannabidiol may cause certain medication levels to spike in the body.
Possible Side Effects of CBD
CBD side effects are generally mild but may include:
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Fatigue
To minimize side effects, start with a low dose of cannabidiol and increase only gradually as needed. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with no more than 5 to 10 mg up to 3 times daily.
Using CBD in West Virginia – What You Need to Know
CBD stores are popping up throughout West Virginia in major cities like Charleston, Morgantown, Huntington, and Parkersburg. You can expect to pay about $50 to $150 for a standard 30 mL bottle of CBD oil—the price depends largely on the quality of the product and the cannabidiol concentration.
When shopping for CBD in West Virginia, you’ll notice that there are three major types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
- Full-spectrum CBD contains the entire spectrum of cannabinoids, including CBD, CBN, CBG, and trace amounts of THC. This product affords you the therapeutic benefits of multiple compounds.
- Broad-spectrum CBD contains the entire spectrum of cannabinoids minus the THC. If you’re subjected to periodic drug-testing, you may find this favorable to full-spectrum.
- CBD isolate products contain only cannabidiol and no other cannabinoids. If you want the highest concentration of CBD, this may be your ideal product.
CBD oil is legal in West Virginia so long as it comes from hemp, so feel free to give it a try and decide for yourself if this popular compound is worth the hype.
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