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HB 2248

Relating to authorizing the Department of Health to promulgate a legislative rule relating to dispensaries of the Medical Cannabis Program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

House Bill 2248 empowers West Virginia's Department of Health to create rules for medical cannabis dispensaries, enhancing regulation and public safety standards.

To House Health and Human Resources
#legislature--rulemaking
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Bill Summary · HB 2248

Summary of House Bill 2248

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 2248
  • Title: Relating to authorizing the Department of Health to promulgate a legislative rule relating to dispensaries of the Medical Cannabis Program
  • Status: To House Health and Human Resources
  • Introduced: February 12, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Legislature--Rule Making

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2248 aims to authorize the West Virginia Department of Health to create and implement a legislative rule concerning dispensaries within the Medical Cannabis Program. This bill is designed to enhance the regulatory framework governing medical cannabis dispensaries, ensuring they operate within established guidelines.

Key Provisions

  • Authorization of Rulemaking: The bill specifically authorizes the Department of Health to promulgate a legislative rule related to dispensaries of the Medical Cannabis Program.
  • Reference to Existing Code: The bill amends and reenacts §64-5-1 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, which pertains to the Department of Health's authority to regulate medical cannabis dispensaries.
  • Legislative Rule Filing: It references a legislative rule that was filed in the State Register on August 27, 2024, under the authority of §16A-3-1 of the West Virginia Code.

Impact

  • Affected Entities: The primary entities affected by this bill are the dispensaries operating under the Medical Cannabis Program in West Virginia. The bill will provide a clearer regulatory framework for these dispensaries, potentially impacting their operations, compliance requirements, and overall governance.
  • Public Health and Safety: By establishing a formal rule-making process, the bill aims to enhance public health and safety standards associated with medical cannabis distribution.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • February 12, 2025: The bill was filed for introduction and referred to the House Committee on Health and Human Resources.
    • February 12, 2025: The bill was introduced in the House.

Conclusion

House Bill 2248 represents a significant step in regulating medical cannabis dispensaries in West Virginia. By empowering the Department of Health to establish specific rules, the bill seeks to ensure that dispensaries operate in a manner that aligns with state health policies and regulations. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be important to monitor its implications for dispensaries and the broader medical cannabis landscape in West Virginia.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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