Relating to authorizing the Department of Health to promulgate a legislative rule relating to growers and processors of the Medical Cannabis Program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

House Bill 2246 empowers West Virginia's Department of Health to regulate medical cannabis growers and processors, enhancing industry oversight and ensuring product safety.

To House Health and Human Resources

#legislature--rulemaking

Summary of House Bill 2246

Bill Number: HB 2246
Title: Relating to authorizing the Department of Health to promulgate a legislative rule relating to growers and processors 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 2246 aims to authorize the West Virginia Department of Health to create and implement a legislative rule concerning the growers and processors involved in the Medical Cannabis Program. This bill seeks to formalize regulations that govern the operations of these entities, ensuring compliance with state laws and standards.

Key Provisions

Authorization of Rulemaking: The bill specifically authorizes the Department of Health to promulgate a legislative rule that will regulate the activities of growers and processors within the Medical Cannabis Program.

Reference to Existing Code: The bill amends and reenacts §64-5-1 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, aligning it with the authority granted under §16A-3-1 of the same code.

Legislative Rule Filing: The legislative rule in question was filed in the State Register on August 30, 2024, and is identified as 64 CSR 110.

Impact

Growers and Processors: The primary entities affected by this bill are the growers and processors of medical cannabis in West Virginia. The new rules will likely establish guidelines for licensing, operational standards, and compliance measures.

Department of Health: The bill empowers the Department of Health to take a more active role in regulating the medical cannabis industry, which may enhance oversight and ensure public health and safety.

Medical Cannabis Program: The overall framework of the Medical Cannabis Program will be strengthened, potentially leading to improved quality and safety of medical cannabis products available to patients.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Timeline:

The bill was filed for introduction on February 12, 2025.
It was referred to the House Committee on Health and Human Resources on the same day.
The bill was introduced in the House on February 12, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 2246, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on the medical cannabis industry in West Virginia. The bill represents a step towards more structured regulation of the medical cannabis sector, which may benefit both producers and consumers.