Table of contents
Marijuana Laws in Virginia
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia
Step 1 – Get in Touch with a VA Healthcare Provider
Step 2 – Schedule a Consultation
Step 3 – Visit a Dispensary
Who Can Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in VA?
VA MMJ Card Qualifying Conditions
FAQ
Can I use my out-of-state medical marijuana card in Virginia?
Once I have a medical marijuana card, where can I purchase medical marijuana in Virginia?
How long does it take to receive a medical marijuana card in Virginia?
How long is a medical marijuana card valid in Virginia?
Can I grow my own cannabis with a medical marijuana card?
Conclusion
A significant milestone was accomplished on April 7, 2021, when Virginia became the first Southern state to legalize recreational marijuana. In a state where accessing medical marijuana had been quite difficult up until recently, this constituted a huge change.
Although medical marijuana was nominally legalized in Virginia in 1979, the law required the use of a prescription, which made it very hard to purchase it lawfully. However, Governor McAuliffe passed legislation allowing a medical exemption for authorized cannabis oils in 2015.
The introduction of House Bill 1445 and Senate Bill 1235 played a crucial role by establishing an affirmative defense against prosecution for possessing CBD oil or THC-A oil if an individual had a doctor’s recommendation for using these substances to treat epilepsy.
This marked the beginning of the path towards full marijuana legalization. This article provides an overview of the current situation regarding medical marijuana in Virginia, including information on how to obtain a medical card in the state. However, before delving into that, let’s examine the existing marijuana laws in Virginia, also known as the Old Dominion.
Marijuana Laws in Virginia
Individuals who are 21 years old or older have the freedom to carry a maximum of one ounce of marijuana without any legal repercussions. If caught with up to four ounces, the penalty is merely a $25 fine since it is considered a civil violation. Additionally, it is permissible to grow up to four plants at your main residence, although there is an important exception that we will discuss later.
Engaging in the sale of more than one ounce of marijuana is still considered a felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. Selling marijuana to a minor who is at least three years younger than you is an even more severe felony, with a possible imprisonment term of up to 50 years.
The positive aspect is that as of July 1, 2021, the new law regarding recreational marijuana ensured that any violations related to it would be kept confidential. This decision came after the state had already made the move to seal records for simple possession of marijuana in 2020. By July 1, 2025, all marijuana-related records, such as arrests, charges, and convictions for minor possession, will be automatically sealed in both state and private databases.
However, despite the so-called legalization of recreational use, there are currently no legal avenues for purchasing marijuana for recreational purposes. Consequently, individuals interested in using marijuana must apply for an MMJ (Medical Marijuana) card in Virginia. Here is an overview of the application process.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia
The VA medical card, as its name implies, grants legal permission to purchase medical marijuana in Virginia. However, there is no physical card involved. Instead, all you need is a written recommendation from a licensed physician.
It’s crucial to remember that Virginia does not have any precise requirements for using medical marijuana. Practically any medical condition can be approved by a doctor. Doctors make individual case-by-case decisions regarding who qualifies for medical marijuana.
It used to be necessary for applicants to register with the state Board of Pharmacy, which meant paying a fee and waiting 60 days. Governor Youngkin, enacted an important piece of legislation in April 2022 that altered this.
Virginians who wish to acquire medical marijuana will no longer need to register with the Board of Pharmacy in order to be authorized to do so as of July 2022. This legislation is anticipated to reduce the backlog of thousands of registration requests from people who are awaiting medical marijuana deliveries.
Step 1 â Get in Touch with a VA Healthcare Provider
To utilize cannabis, you must locate a certified doctor in Virginia who is willing to grant you written consent. Only doctors who are registered with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and hold a license from the Board of Medicine are eligible for your consideration.
Step 2 â Schedule a Consultation
Once you discover a suitable doctor, it’s necessary to arrange a meeting for a discussion. Remember to bring copies of your medical records and prescription medication containers as evidence of your diagnosed medical condition.
If the physician determines that you meet the requirements for medical marijuana, they will grant you written authorization using an official form provided by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Typically, this process is fairly prompt. The doctor will examine your condition and determine if you should be certified.
Alternatively, you can obtain authorization from a licensed Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. They are required to register with the Virginian Board of Pharmacy and obtain certification.
Step 3 â Visit a Dispensary
There is no need for you to go through the online registration process with the Virginia Department of Health Professions and Board of Pharmacy anymore. As soon as you obtain a written certification from your doctor, you can go directly to a licensed dispensary without any delay. Remember to bring a valid government ID along with you.
Who Can Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in VA?
In order to obtain a medical marijuana card in Virginia, individuals who are 18 years or older and residents of the state are eligible to apply.
VA MMJ Card Qualifying Conditions
There are no designated qualifying conditions for a VA medical marijuana card. In Virginia, all medical conditions are taken into account, and it is up to the doctor to decide whether or not to provide a recommendation. Nevertheless, individuals with the following conditions have a possibility of being granted approval for medical marijuana:
Cancer
Multiple sclerosis
HIV/AIDS
Crohn’s disease
PTSD
Chronic pain that has not responded to opioids and other traditional treatments.
Also Read: Can Non-U.S. Residents Get A Medical Marijuana Card?
FAQ
Can I use my out-of-state medical marijuana card in Virginia?
No, Virginia does not accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards. You must obtain a medical marijuana card specifically issued by the state of Virginia to legally possess and use medical marijuana within its borders.
Once I have a medical marijuana card, where can I purchase medical marijuana in Virginia?
Registered patients with a valid medical marijuana card can purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries authorized by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
How long does it take to receive a medical marijuana card in Virginia?
The processing time for a medical marijuana card application in Virginia can vary. It typically takes several weeks to receive a decision once your application has been submitted.
How long is a medical marijuana card valid in Virginia?
Medical marijuana cards in Virginia are valid for one year from the date of issuance. You must renew your card annually to maintain your legal access to medical marijuana.
Can I grow my own cannabis with a medical marijuana card?
No, Virginia does not enable home cannabis cultivation, not even with a medical marijuana card. Medical marijuana is only available at state-licensed dispensaries.
Conclusion
With a medical marijuana card, patients in Virginia are able to purchase and use cannabis legally from licensed dispensaries, which can help them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.