The bill amends the allocation of proceeds from the Medical Cannabis Program Fund in West Virginia, establishing a new distribution framework for the funds generated from medical cannabis fees and taxes. Specifically, on June 30, 2026, $5 million will be allocated to the Supreme Court of Appeals for a pilot project to create a Child Protection Commission, and another $5 million will be directed to the Division of Primary Care to enhance services for addressing homelessness. Following this initial allocation, starting July 1, 2026, the remaining funds will be distributed among various entities, including the Office of Medical Cannabis, the Department of Agriculture, and several universities for research and substance abuse initiatives.

The bill specifies the percentage allocations for each entity, with 15% going to the Office of Medical Cannabis for administrative purposes, 15% to the Department of Agriculture for testing, 20% to the Fight Substance Abuse Fund, and 10% each to Marshall University and West Virginia University's Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute for research. Additionally, 10% will be allocated to the Supreme Court of Appeals for the Child Protection Commission, and 20% will be designated for local law enforcement grants focused on training and drug diversion programs. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that administrative expenses for the Division of Administrative Services do not exceed three percent of the allocated funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16A-9-2
Committee Substitute: 16A-9-2
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 16A-9-2
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 16A-9-2