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Gun Ownership and Medical Marijuana Cards in Virginia

Kif Team | October 5, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

This might be a surprise for many of you but Virginia became the first ever US state to legalize medical cannabis all the way back in 1979.

The whole drive to allow patients with qualifying medical conditions to consume medical marijuana was started by Virginia.

Unfortunately, even after being the pioneer state of medical marijuana access in the US, the state doesn’t have any laws that protect its registered medical marijuana patients from federal trials when it comes to owning a gun and having a medical marijuana card.

In short, there is no way you can have a Virginia medical marijuana card and own a firearm within the state at the same time.

Is It a Good Idea To Take My Gun To a Dispensary in VA?

Virginia is one of the US states where gun possession is heavily regulated. This automatically complicates the gun ownership process if you’re a registered medical marijuana patient as well.

Generally, there are no such places that are ‘off-limits’ to individuals having a valid firearm carry permit. But things can take a 180-degree turn for you if you’re consuming/possessing a Schedule I substance (yes, even medical marijuana) while owning a firearm at the same time.

Consuming CBD Products and Owning a Gun in Virginia

In Virginia, CBD oil-based products derived from industrial hemp and having not more than 0.3% THC content are legal for consumption. This means that if you’re an adult (21 years or older), you can legally consume CBD products while owning a firearm at the same time.

Our expert opinion

No one can take the status of being the ‘first ever US state to legalize medical marijuana’ from Virginia. However, the state does in fact need to ensure the safety and legal rights of its registered medical marijuana users when it comes to matters like owning a firearm, etc.

Helpful Resources Virginia Patients:

Top 6 Benefits of Getting A Medical Card In Virginia

Is Weed Legal In West Virginia?

Virginia Marijuana Laws

Consequences of Obtaining A Medical Card in Virginia

Are Edibles Legal in Virginia?

How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Virginia?

Kif Team

The Kif Team has expert team of writers with a profound understanding of holistic medicine. We specialize in assisting individuals in obtaining their medical marijuana cards. We firmly believe in the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis for various health conditions. Our mission is to educate and enlighten as many people as possible about its potential advantages.

Important Medical Information & Disclaimers

Medical Disclaimer

The content on this page is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical marijuana recommendations are made only by licensed U.S. healthcare providers via secure telemedicine, in accordance with state laws.

Always consult a qualified physician before making any decisions about your health or starting new therapies.

Source: FDA – Cannabis Research & Drug Approval Process

Individual Results May Vary

Medical cannabis affects every patient differently. Outcomes depend on the product chosen, dosing, medical condition, and lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and medication adherence. Effectiveness may vary widely; regular follow-ups with your provider are essential.

Source: NIH – Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects of medical marijuana include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, red eyes, impaired concentration, and increased appetite. Some may experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, memory issues, or mild hallucinations when using high-THC products. Rare but serious effects include depression, psychosis, heart rhythm changes, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (frequent vomiting).

Source: Mayo Clinic – Marijuana: Safety and Side Effects

Legal & Regulatory Notice

Medical marijuana is regulated by state law. Marijuana remains a Schedule I substance under U.S. federal law and is not prescribed in the traditional sense; it is recommended or certified for use, not prescribed. Initial evaluations may require in-person visits in certain states; renewals are often available via telemedicine, depending on local regulations.

Sources: DEA – Controlled Substances Act & Telehealth.org – Cannabis Prescribing and Telehealth

Product Quality & Safety

Only purchase medical cannabis from dispensaries licensed and regulated in your state. Unregulated products may contain contaminants or inaccurate THC/CBD concentrations, presenting safety risks.

Source: FDA – What To Know About Cannabis Products

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience unexpected or severe side effects from medical cannabis, notify your provider immediately and report them to the FDA’s MedWatch program: MedWatch Online or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your report helps improve safety for all patients.

Source: FDA – MedWatch Safety & Adverse Event Reporting

Gun Ownership and Medical Marijuana Cards in Virginia

Is It a Good Idea To Take My Gun To a Dispensary in VA?

Consuming CBD Products and Owning a Gun in Virginia

Our expert opinion

Helpful Resources Virginia Patients: