The Joint Committee on Health met today.
The Committee heard about Lauren’s Wish, which is a 28-bed substance use disorder program. The program opened in November of 2022 and is open 24/7. The program fulfills the gap between hospital ER and treatment facility. It’s a place for patients to go for the days before their treatment begins. The program works to reduce harm.
The Committee also heard an update from the Office of Medical Cannabis. Thus far 21,000 medical cannabis ID cards have been approved. There are 48 dispensaries are opened and have made $40 million in total sales. There are 131 registered physicians able to certify that a patient has one of the serious medical conditions that allow for medical cannabis. A physician does not prescribe medical cannabis. Some of the medical conditions are cancer, HIV, ALS, MS Parkinson, Epilepsies, sickle cell, PTSD, and chronic pain. Caregivers are assigned to minors and individuals who cannot get to the dispensaries for themselves. Background checks are completed on all caregivers. An interactive map is available for patients to locate dispensaries. Patients can only carry a 3-day supply on them. Edibles are not legal for sale in WV.
