WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2218

Relating to the offense of adulteration or alteration of medical cannabis testing results

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Steele

House Bill 2218 imposes strict penalties for altering medical cannabis testing results, protecting patients and ensuring accurate product information in West Virginia.

To House Judiciary
#crime
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2218

Summary of House Bill 2218

Bill Number: HB 2218
Title: Relating to the offense of adulteration or alteration of medical cannabis testing results
Status: To House Judiciary
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Crime

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2218 aims to address the integrity of medical cannabis testing in West Virginia by establishing legal penalties for the adulteration or alteration of medical cannabis testing results. The bill seeks to ensure that patients and caregivers receive accurate information regarding the potency and purity of medical cannabis products.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces a new section to the Code of West Virginia, specifically §16A-12-10, which outlines the following:

  • Definition of Offense: The bill defines the offense as any act of adulterating, altering, fortifying, contaminating, or changing the tested character or purity of medical cannabis. This includes discrepancies between the actual potency of the cannabis and the potency indicated on a patient’s or caregiver’s identification card.

  • Penalties:

    • For Non-Natural Persons: Entities (such as companies) found guilty of this offense may face fines of up to $2.5 million per incident and will have their medical cannabis licenses permanently revoked.
    • For Natural Persons: Individuals convicted of this offense may incur fines of up to $100,000 per incident and face imprisonment in a state correctional facility for a term ranging from one to five years.

Affected Parties

The legislation primarily affects:

  • Medical Cannabis Producers and Distributors: Entities involved in the cultivation, processing, and distribution of medical cannabis must adhere to strict testing protocols to avoid penalties.
  • Patients and Caregivers: Individuals relying on accurate testing results for their medical cannabis will benefit from enhanced protections against fraudulent practices.
  • Regulatory Authorities: Agencies responsible for overseeing medical cannabis operations will have clearer guidelines and enforcement mechanisms.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed for introduction and referred to the House Judiciary on February 12, 2025.
  • It is currently in the legislative process, awaiting further discussion and potential amendments.

Conclusion

House Bill 2218 represents a significant step towards ensuring the safety and reliability of medical cannabis products in West Virginia. By imposing strict penalties for the adulteration of testing results, the bill aims to protect patients and uphold the integrity of the medical cannabis program.

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

Sign in to ask a question.