CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice released a statement Friday stating while he supports the state’s medical marijuana law, he wants the State Treasurer to propose how funds can be collected to support the program.
“I think the world of our Treasurer, John Perdue, and while his office is continuing to explore ways that they can process funds from growers and processors, we will wait until his office brings a solution for the stakeholders at the state level before we move forward,” Justice said in a statement.
Justice’s comments come two days after a MetroNews report concerning money exchange issues associated with the state’s medical marijuana program, which is set to go into effect in July 2019.
“The concerns stem from the direct conflict between federal law and state law on cannabis (marijuana) legality,” Perdue wrote in a letter to state officials and lawmakers.
The state has to deposit money from growers and processors, but vendors are needed to process the funds. West Virginia does not have any vendors on contract willing to take the money, and credit unions are unable to bid on related work because of state code.
A bill to ease restrictions on credit unions died during this year’s regular 60-day session.