CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Public Health announced Thursday the people who will examine and recommend laws regarding medical cannabis.
The West Virginia Medical Cannabis Advisory Board includes doctors, government officials and one person designated as a “patient advocate.”
“The Board is part of a transparent and accountable process critical to ensuring a comprehensive system that will help citizens suffering from debilitating diseases like cancer,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, board member and commissioner of the Bureau of Public Health.
The other members include:
— Dr. Arvinder Bir, of Huntington;
— Superintendent, West Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. Jan Cahill;
— Michael Deegan, a Cross Lanes social worker;
— Michelle Easton, a Charleston pharmacist;
— Dr. James Felsen of Great Cacapon;
— W. Jesse Forbes, a Charleston lawyer;
— Joseph Hatton, Charleston horticulturist and deputy commissioner of West Virginia Department of Agriculture;
— Kimberly Knuckles, a Beaver pharmacist;
— Dr. Rudy Malayil of Huntington;
— Dr. Keith Randolph, a Madison prosecuting attorney;
— Dr. Joseph Selby of Morgantown; and
— Russell A. Williams of Nitro, who will serve in a “patient advocate” role. He advocated for the legislation during the Legislature’s regular session.
Gupta will serve as board chairman.
Gov. Jim Justice signed the Medical Cannabis Act on April 19, 2017, and the law will go into effect on July 5, 2017.
The patient and caregiver identification cards will start being issued on July 1, 2019. The Bureau for Public Health will be responsible for issuing formal rules and setting up requirements for growers, patients and processors.