§19-12F-4. Processor and retailer permits; regulations; permitting; and registration.

(a) Any person manufacturing, processing, distributing, offering for sale, or selling any kratom or kratom products in this state shall have a permit issued by the commissioner and be otherwise authorized to do business in this state. The commissioner may issue manufacturer, processor, distributor, and retailer permits. The business activity subject to permitting under this article shall be treated as separate and distinct from manufacturing, processing, distribution, or sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products addressed and administered under §19-12E-12 of this code, or of hemp addressed and administered under §19-12E-1 et seq. of this code, or of medical cannabis addressed and administered under §16A-9-1 et seq. of this code.

(b) Persons engaged in manufacturing, processing, distribution, or sale of kratom or kratom products in this State must obtain a West Virginia business registration certificate as specified in §11-12-1 et seq. of this code and shall be subject to other administrative and regulatory requirements as set forth in this code.

(c) In the interest of protecting the safety, welfare, and well-being of West Virginia citizens and residents, West Virginia nexus and jurisdiction attaches for purposes of business registration, permitting, regulation and taxation with relation to the activity of distribution or sale of kratom or kratom products across State lines into this State. Persons located outside of this State that are engaged in distribution or sale of kratom or kratom products across state lines into this State must obtain a West Virginia business registration certificate as specified in §11-12-1 et seq. of this code and shall be subject to other administrative and regulatory requirements as set forth in this code.

(d) The Tax Commissioner may place a notation on the business registration certificate showing the status of the certificate holder as a person or entity holding a permit from the commissioner pursuant to this article.

(e) The commissioner shall keep a list of all persons and entities that have been issued permits pursuant to this article. Such list shall be public information and shall be published initially on or before June 30, 2024, by the commissioner on its website from time to time so as to reflect a current listing.

(f) The commissioner shall keep a list of any persons or entities that have been subject to a permit, revocation, withdrawal, suspension, non-renewal, or other process whereby the person or entity has ceased to be a permit holder in good standing with the commissioner.

(g) The commissioner shall keep a list of all kratom and kratom products that have been approved for sale or distribution in this State. Such list shall be public information and shall be published initially on or before June 30, 2024, by the commissioner on its website from time to time so as to reflect a current listing.