The state of Virginia holds the achievement of being one of the very first US states to actually take some initiative regarding the use of cannabis products in the field of medicine. The state allowed the use of cannabis for the treatment of cancer and glaucoma back in 1979. Years after that, the state finally legalized medical cannabis on a broad spectrum through a 2015 legislation. One of the core points of this legislation includes allowing patients who are not yet 18, to apply for a medical marijuana card.
Eligibility requirements for a medical marijuana card in Virginia
The state of Virginia follows the standard eligibility criteria set to determine whether a patient can get access to medical marijuana or not. As per the criteria, the patient must be a resident of Virginia and must have a valid medical marijuana recommendation from a certified medical doctor. A patient who is not yet 18 can also apply for a medical marijuana card with the help of a designated caregiver.
Qualifying medical conditions
The state of Virginia doesnât have a set list of qualifying medical conditions. Instead, each patient is separately evaluated by a licensed medical cannabis doctor. The doctor will then decide whether a cannabis-focused treatment will be better for you or not.
What exactly is a caregiver?
The state of Virginia takes a different approach regarding cannabis caregivers as compared to other US states. Within the state, a caregiver is an individual, not one of the parents or legal guardians of the patient, who can enter a medical marijuana dispensary on behalf of the patient and help minor or vulnerable adult patients with cannabis purchases.
Medical Marijuana Laws for minors in Virginia
- The medical marijuana laws are similar for both qualifying adult and minor patients within the state. Some of the key points of these laws include,
- Since July 2022, medical marijuana patients, legal guardians, parents, and caregivers donât need to register themselves with the VBP to obtain a physical medical marijuana card.
- Medical marijuana patients can possess a 90-day supply of relevant cannabis products.
- Recreational cannabis possession has been legal in Virginia since 2021, however, commercial sale of recreational cannabis wonât start until 2024.
Final Note
Since legalizing the use of medical cannabis for qualifying patients, the state of Virginia has indeed worked on a policy that is patient-oriented. From allowing caregivers to aid patients who are not yet 18 or canât access cannabis products to expanding the medical cannabis possession limits, the state is doing everything right.