Top 6 Benefits of Getting A Medical Card In Virginia

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Regardless of whether you live in a state where medical cannabis is permitted or one that has fully legalized recreational weed, possessing a medical card can offer significant advantages in terms of time, money, and effort.

Indeed, the advantages of obtaining a medical card in Virginia are remarkable.

Even after the legalization of recreational cannabis in Virginia, there are compelling reasons to stick with obtaining a medical card instead.

 

The History of Medical Cannabis in Virginia

Medical marijuana found its legal footing in Virginia through a meandering path. As far back as 1979, Virginia became one of the first states in the nation to enact a medical marijuana law. This law specified that individuals with a valid physician prescription for marijuana to reduce glaucoma symptoms or chemotherapy side effects would not face prosecution for marijuana possession.

However, this initial 1979 law had limited practical impact, as marijuana remained classified as a Schedule I substance. So, obtaining a medical card for marijuana in Virginia proved to be an unattainable goal.

It wasn’t until 2017 that the Virginia General Assembly made some progress by passing a bill permitting restricted access to CBD or THCA oil for patients diagnosed with intractable epilepsy.

Finally, a more significant breakthrough occurred in 2018 when Governor Ralph Northam signed a bill expanding the medical marijuana program. This new legislation granted physicians the authority to recommend medical marijuana to any patient who could potentially benefit from its therapeutic effects.

 

Steps to Obtain a Medical Card in Virginia

• Verify Qualification
• Medical Evaluation
• Register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy
• Submit Application
• Wait for Approval
• Visit a Dispensary

 

Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Virginia?

Recreational marijuana has been legalized in Virginia, but its legal sales are scheduled to begin in 2024.

In April 2021, Virginia made history as the first southern state to legalize recreational marijuana when the state legislature passed Senate Bill 1406 and House Bill 2312.

Initially, the bill was set to be effective from July 1, 2024. However, Governor Ralph Northam requested some changes. After lawmakers implemented them, the bill became law without the governor’s signature. As a result, adult-use marijuana became legal on July 1, 2021, instead of waiting until 2024.

As per the bill’s provisions, adult users are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and cultivate up to four plants per household.

For those who do not possess a VA medical marijuana card, the sale of recreational marijuana will not commence until 2024. This delay is necessary as the Cannabis Control Authority and other regulators require time to establish the necessary framework for cultivating, manufacturing, distributing, and selling recreational marijuana.

 

Top 6 Benefits of Getting a Medical Card in Virginia

Why is it crucial to obtain a medical card in Virginia, especially when cannabis will become more accessible next year?

In each state, having a medical cannabis card offers exclusive advantages that recreational cannabis cannot and will not provide. These benefits range from cost savings to receiving priority treatment. Here are the significant advantages of obtaining a medical card in Virginia.

 

1. Access to the Therapeutic Benefits of Medical Marijuana Whenever You Need It

Reaping the advantages of medical marijuana for your well-being is now easily accessible in Virginia, and all it takes is obtaining your medical card. It’s as straightforward as that.

Unlike other states, Virginia does not maintain a specific list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use. However, registered physicians in the medical marijuana program have the authority to recommend its use based on their judgment.

When you consult with a physician who believes that medical marijuana could be beneficial for your condition, they will provide you with a certification. This distinctive approach allows for a wide range of conditions to qualify for treatment.

 

2. There Are No Age Restrictions

Diseases show no discrimination based on age, and fortunately, Virginia medical cannabis is also accessible regardless of age.

Although recreational marijuana is legal, purchasing and using it is restricted to individuals aged 21 and older. Dispensaries will verify your ID to ensure compliance with this requirement.

However, with a medical marijuana card in Virginia, individuals of any age can receive medical marijuana treatment.

While the age limit might appear discriminatory, it is a rational decision. Recreational users can manage without marijuana, as it is not a necessity for them.

Conversely, people with a VA medical marijuana card require marijuana for various health and wellness reasons.

Obtaining a medical card in Virginia eliminates the need to wait until you’re 21.

The Virginia marijuana laws state that individuals must be at least 18 years old to register for medical marijuana. However, this does not mean that minors under 18 cannot access the benefits of medical cannabis in Virginia.

If you believe that your child could benefit from medical marijuana, you have the option to register as their caregiver on their behalf.

 

3. You Get to Save Money on Marijuana Purchases

Did you know that in Virginia, possessing a medical cannabis card entitles you to favorable tax treatment, making it a more affordable option than buying without one? In Virginia, there is a 21% excise tax on recreational marijuana purchases, and local governments may tack on an additional 3% sales tax. However, the tax rate for medical marijuana is merely 5.3%. This indicates that getting a medical card in Virginia enables you to get more marijuana for less money, and the money you save from the lower tax will rapidly pay for the medical card.

Utilizing the advantages provided by a medical marijuana card in Virginia is more cost-effective than paying higher costs for recreational marijuana. Dispensaries frequently offer patients exclusive deals as well. Dispensaries are anticipated to give customers with medical marijuana cards considerable discounts once recreational sales start.

 

4. Recreational Sales Are Not Yet Legal

The association between legalization and commercialization is not common. If you prefer purchasing recreational marijuana over obtaining a medical cannabis card in Virginia, you’ll have to wait a considerable amount of time.

While the purchase and consumption of marijuana are legal in Virginia, selling it within the state remains illegal.

Recreational sales licenses have not been issued by lawmakers yet, which means there is currently no legal place in the state to buy marijuana. The legal sale of recreational marijuana is expected to commence in 2024.

The absence of licensed recreational sales has created a gap in the market that unlicensed sellers are eager to exploit, to the detriment of buyers.

Unlicensed marijuana is not safe, as it lacks testing and stringent quality assurance checks. The lack of oversight could result in contaminated and substandard marijuana reaching consumers, posing a risk to their health.

Senator Adam P. Ebbin expressed concern, stating, “The absence of a legal marketplace puts Virginians interested in using legal cannabis at risk of unsafe, unregulated products.”

On the other hand, medical marijuana dispensaries are operational in Virginia. Prioritize your health by obtaining a Virginia medical weed card and enjoy the safety and legality of marijuana through this avenue.

 

5. Patients Have Priority Treatment

Every industry, including the marijuana industry, faces the challenge of scarcity. In states where both medical and recreational marijuana are legal, medical marijuana takes precedence, and we anticipate the same will happen when recreational sales begin in Virginia.

The term “priority” implies that in case the state’s marijuana supplies become limited, medical dispensaries will receive supplies before recreational dispensaries.

Furthermore, patients need not endure long queues since there are medical-only dispensaries that exclusively cater to individuals holding medical marijuana cards in Virginia.

Once recreational sales start, it will be unsurprising to witness long queues as enthusiastic customers await their chance to purchase marijuana.

The benefits of possessing a VA medical marijuana card are evident.

 

6. Reciprocity: You Can Buy Medical Marijuana in Other States

Traveling between states with marijuana is against the law, which means you won’t be able to bring your medication along if you visit another state.

Nonetheless, if you travel to a state that has reciprocity, you can still obtain your medication. Reciprocity allows you to use your VA medical card to purchase medical marijuana in that state.

Regrettably, not all states with medical marijuana programs offer reciprocity. Therefore, it is essential to check the laws of your destination before you embark on your journey.

 

Read More: How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Virginia? 

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a medical card in Virginia can be a game-changer for patients seeking alternative treatments for their medical conditions. If you believe medical marijuana could provide relief for your qualifying medical condition, following the steps to obtain a medical card might be the first step towards a better quality of life.