Many states have begun changing the way that they view marijuana in a legal sense. States like Washington. Colorado and California were some of the first to legalize recreational marijuana. But this trend has now moved across the country to states like Illinois and Michigan.
If you live in West Virginia, you may be wondering if you can purchase recreational marijuana the same way you would go to the store and buy a bottle of wine.
The truth is that you cannot, at least not yet. West Virginia has updated some of its marijuana laws, but only medical marijuana is legal right now. There are thousands of people in the state with medical marijuana cards, but you do have to get this official prescription from a healthcare provider before you can make a purchase. Recreational use is still illegal.
Can you bring it from another state?
You may also find yourself wondering if you could just drive to a state where they already sell legal recreational marijuana, make a purchase and then drive back home to West Virginia. After all, your purchase would be completely legal in the other state, as long as you meet their qualifications – such as being at least 21 years old.
Even though you are correct that the initial purchase would be legal, bringing marijuana products back to West Virginia is still illegal. You would still violate state law because you don’t have the correct medical marijuana card. You would also violate federal law because it is illegal to cross state lines with marijuana in your possession, whether you are driving or flying.
If you have been arrested and are facing drug-related charges in West Virginia, be sure you know what defense options you have.