How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia

Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated October 11, 2024

Program   |   Requirements   |   How to Apply   |   Renew   |   Dispensaries   |   Recreational   |   Benefits   |   Laws   |   Key Takeaways   |   FAQs   |   Resources

We’ve made this guide to help you understand how to apply for a medical marijuana card in Virginia.

By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:

  • What should I know about the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program?
  • How do I apply for a medical marijuana card in VA?
  • What are the reasons to get a medical marijuana card in VA?

We have sourced all the information from the official Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) website. So, you can trust that you are reading an accurate and up-to-date resource.

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The Virginia Medical Cannabis Program

The Virginia Medical Cannabis Program allows qualified patients to access cannabis for medical use. In addition, it provides information and resources for patients, parents/legal guardians, registered agents, and eligible medical practitioners. The program also offers guidance for existing and prospective pharmaceutical processors.

On January 1, 2024, all statutory and regulatory oversight of the medical cannabis program transitioned from the Board of Pharmacy (BOP) to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA). 

The General Assembly adopted, and the Governor signed into law, The Cannabis Control Act in 2021. This legislation established the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA). Consequently, it recognized the CCA as the principal source of government expertise on cannabis. Additionally, the law gave the CCA broad authority to develop, issue, and enforce rules about the existing medical cannabis market and a prospective adult-use (recreational) retail market.

Registration with the Virginia Cannabis Authority isn’t necessary to access medical marijuana in the state. However, there are circumstances where parents, legal guardians, and registered agents must register.

Virginia Medical Card Requirements & Qualifying Conditions

In Virginia, there are no specific qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card. You qualify for medical marijuana in Virginia if you meet these two requirements:

  1. You are a resident of Virginia.
  2. A medical marijuana doctor in VA certifies that medical marijuana could ease the symptoms of your medical condition.

As mentioned earlier, registering with the Virginia Cannabis Program is optional. You can buy medical cannabis from a dispensary once you have your marijuana certification.

Still, you can register with the medical cannabis program by applying through the medical cannabis portal (CCA patient portal). You’ll need the following to complete your registration:

  • Government-issued ID, for example, a driver’s license or ID card.
  • Written certification.
  • Proof of Virginia residency, for example, a utility bill. (Only if your ID is an out-of-state ID or expired.)
  • $50 to register with the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program.

 

Minor Patient Information

Eligible minors in Virginia can get medical cannabis. However, their parents/guardians must consent to the treatment, and they must obtain medical cannabis on the child’s behalf.

Parents or legal guardians can be listed directly on the written certification for a minor. The cannabis certification is valid for one year unless the practitioner designates an earlier expiration date. Additionally, the certification allows the parent/guardian to buy medical marijuana for the qualifying minor.

If the parent/ guardian is not on the cannabis certification, they must register with the Cannabis Control Authority (CCA). The registration process involves completing a Parent/Legal Guardian Application and paying a $25 fee.

Parents/guardians can designate a registered agent to buy medical cannabis on the minor’s behalf as well. The added flexibility ensures that qualified minors can access the medical cannabis products they need, even when their primary caregivers are unable to.

Registered Agents

Registered agents play a crucial role in the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program by purchasing or receiving medical cannabis for patients.

The agent doesn’t need to register with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) before acquiring cannabis if their name is on their patient’s cannabis certification. 

Otherwise, they must register with the CCA and pay a $25 initial registration fee, with an annual renewal cost of the same amount.

A registered agent can’t serve more than two patients.

Medical Marijuana Reciprocity: Does Virginia Accept Out-of-State MMJ Cards?

No. Virginia does not extend reciprocity to out-of-state MMJ cardholders. As a result, visiting patients cannot legally buy medical marijuana from Virginia dispensaries. Additionally, only residents of Virginia qualify for the state-issued medical marijuana card.

How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in VA

Applying for a medical marijuana card in Virginia is easy. The first thing you need is to get a Virginia cannabis certification from a practitioner who is licensed to certify patients for medical marijuana. 

Follow these simple steps to get your medical cannabis certificate in minutes:

  1. Book an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors in Virginia.
  2. Attend your marijuana evaluation over a video call.
  3. Receive your written certification after approval.

Quick Med Cards is the cheapest and fastest way to get your medical cannabis certification in Virginia. Once you have your medical cannabis certificate, you can buy medical cannabis from any dispensary in Virginia. However, you can choose to take the extra step and register with the state’s medical cannabis program for a $50 fee.

Here’s how to register with the Virginia CCA:

  1. Create an account on the Medical Cannabis Portal (CCA Patient Portal).
  2. Complete the Registered Patient Application and upload the necessary documents.
  3. Pay $50 for your Virginia medical marijuana card.
  4. Wait for the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to process your application. (The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority usually takes five (5) days to process applications.)

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How to Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card in VA

Virginia medical cards and cannabis certifications are both only valid for one year after issuance. Fortunately, both are easy to renew.

Follow these steps to renew your Virginia medical cannabis certification:

  1. Schedule an appointment with our medical marijuana doctor in Virginia.
  2. Attend your telemedicine appointment over a video call.
  3. Receive your written certification.

How to renew your Virginia medical marijuana card through the medical cannabis portal:

  1. Log into your patient account on the Biotrack (biotr.ac) login page.
  2. Complete the Virginia medical card renewal and upload the necessary documents.
  3. Pay the $50 renewal fee.
  4. Wait for the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to process your renewal application.

Did you get your previous marijuana certification from another provider?

No worries! You can still renew your certification with Quick Med Cards. Schedule an appointment with us today to get your cannabis certification renewal done in minutes for the lowest cost in Virginia. All our practitioners are Board of Pharmacy licensed to certify patients for medicinal cannabis. 

Marijuana Dispensaries in Virginia

Once you get your medical cannabis certificate, you can visit any dispensary in Virginia and buy your medication. At the dispensary, staff will verify the certification and enter your details into their system. 

New visitors to a dispensary need to provide their: 

  • valid written certification, 
  • a current government-issued ID, 
  • and proof of Virginia residency, if not evident on the ID. 

Marijuana dispensaries in Virginia accept both handwritten and electronic certifications. By purchasing cannabis from licensed dispensaries, you receive regulated cannabis products that meet the state’s safety standards.

Where to buy marijuana in Virginia: Dispensary locations

You can buy cannabis from any of the 23 medical marijuana dispensaries across Virginia. These dispensaries are spread throughout the state to cater to the medical needs of residents. These dispensaries include: 

  • RISE Medical Marijuana Dispensary with branches in Abingdon, Bristol, Christiansburg, Danville, Lynchburg, and Salem. 
  • Beyond Hello serves Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Manassas, Sterling, and Woodbridge. 
  • Cannabist operates dispensaries in Carytown, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg.
  • gLeaf has its presence in Colonial Heights, Richmond, and Short Pump.

Can you grow marijuana in Virginia?

Yes, you can grow marijuana in Virginia. As of July 1, 2021, home cultivation of cannabis is legal for adults 21 years and older. Individuals can grow up to four plants per household at their primary residence, not per person. Growers must:

  • Ensure no plant is visible from public spaces.
  • Prevent access by minors.
  • Securely tag each plant with their name, driver’s license or ID number, and a note indicating it’s for legal personal use.

Recreational Marijuana in Virginia

Virginia legalized recreational marijuana on July 1, 2021, and established the Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) to regulate the cannabis industry. As a result, adults aged 21 and over can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to four (4) marijuana plants in their primary residence. Additionally, it became legal for adults aged 21 and over to share one ounce or less of marijuana with other adults aged 21+, provided no remuneration is involved. 

Despite legalization, several things remain illegal. For example, residents cannot sell, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute marijuana. Moreover, using cannabis in public spaces or driving under the influence of marijuana is prohibited.

Although recreational marijuana is legal in Virginia, there are currently no dispensaries in the state selling adult-use cannabis. This is because Governor Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have legalized recreational sales.

Consequences of Getting a Medical Card in Virginia

Getting certified for a medical marijuana card in Virginia has several benefits and consequences, even now that recreational cannabis is legal in the state.

Benefits

Here is what patients are saying are their reasons for a medical marijuana card in VA:

  • Access and Availability: As a cardholder, you can buy medical cannabis from any of the 23 medical marijuana dispensaries in Virginia. Recreational users must wait for adult sales to commence before they can purchase adult-use cannabis from dispensaries in VA.

  • Legal Protections at Work: Virginia cannabis laws offer employment protections to medical marijuana cardholders but not to recreational users. For instance, most employers cannot discriminate against employees for using medical cannabis if they possess a valid medical marijuana card. 

  • Higher Possession and Consumption Limits: The Virginia medical marijuana card lets you buy and possess more cannabis than recreational users. As a medical user, you can legally purchase and possess up to a 90-day supply of cannabis versus one (1) ounce for recreational users.

  • Age Restrictions: Medical marijuana is available to minors and adults aged 18 and above. Meanwhile, only adults aged 21 and over can get recreational cannabis. So, as a medical user, you don’t have to wait until you are 21 to enjoy the medical benefits of marijuana.

  • Potency and Product Range: Medical dispensaries offer products with higher THC levels and a broader range of cannabis products tailored for medical use. This is crucial if you are a patient who needs specific strains or higher doses for your treatment. 

  • Reciprocity: Your VA medical card lets you benefit from reciprocity in other states that accept out-of-state medical cards. This ensures you have continual access to MMJ when you travel.

  • Tailored Medical Guidance: Besides certifying eligible patients for cannabis, licensed practitioners in Virginia can provide a personalized cannabis regimen based on a patient’s specific health needs and conditions, potentially leading to more effective treatment outcomes. Therefore, rather than using recreational marijuana, a certification offers a structured and medically supervised approach to cannabis.

Drawbacks

While there are positives of getting a Virginia medical card, there are drawbacks to consider:

  • Federal Limitations: Currently, federal law bars medical marijuana users from purchasing firearms and holding certain jobs, particularly in federal government or transportation, as cannabis remains federally illegal.

  • Costs: While medical marijuana will likely be cheaper than recreational, getting a medical card comes with some costs as well. Applying for the Virginia medical marijuana card involves application fees (for the optional state registration), doctor’s consultation fees, and annual renewal costs.

Overall, opting for a medical marijuana card in Virginia offers significant advantages that are not available to recreational users. 

Virginia Marijuana Laws

Here is a brief overview of the Virginia marijuana laws:

  • Possession Limits: Adults aged 21 and over can possess up to one ounce of cannabis.

  • Usage: Cannabis use is legal in private residences unless restricted by the property owner.

  • Home Cultivation: Adults can grow up to four cannabis plants per household, not per individual. 

  • Adult Sharing: It is legal to transfer one ounce or less of cannabis between adults over 21 without remuneration. 

  • Age Restrictions: It is illegal for anyone under 21 to consume, purchase, possess, or attempt to acquire cannabis.

  • Prohibited Sales and Distribution: Selling or distributing cannabis, or possessing it with the intent to sell or distribute, is illegal. This includes businesses; they cannot sell, gift, or distribute cannabis.

  • Driving and Public Restrictions: Cannabis use is unlawful while driving or as a passenger in a motor vehicle. It is also illegal to consume or offer cannabis in any public place.

Key Takeaways

  • The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority runs the state’s medical cannabis program.
  • A cannabis certification from a licensed practitioner is all you need to access medical marijuana in Virginia.
  • There are no qualifying conditions for a medical card in Virginia. Instead, the certifying cannabis doctor will determine whether your illness may benefit from marijuana treatment.
  • Registration with the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program is optional.
  • The state fee for the Virginia medical marijuana card is $50 annually.
  • There are 23 medical marijuana dispensaries in Virginia.
  • Although recreational marijuana is legal in Virginia, there are currently no dispensaries selling adult-use cannabis.

Common Questions about the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program

Do you still have questions about the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program? You may find your answer below.

Is marijuana legal in Virginia?

Yes, marijuana is legal in Virginia for both medical and recreational use. Virginia legalized recreational cannabis in 2021. While medical marijuana has been available in Virginia since 2018 when the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program became operational.

How much does a medical card cost in Virginia?

The cost of a medical marijuana card registration and annual renewal in Virginia is $50 for patients. Parents/legal guardians or registered agents pay $25. These are the state fees for the voluntary registration with the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program.

There is also a cost associated with the consultation for a cannabis certification. Quick Med Cards is the most affordable option in Virginia. We charge between $45 – $149 for a telemedicine consultation for cannabis certification.

What qualifies for medical marijuana in VA?

To qualify for medical marijuana in Virginia, you must be either a permanent or temporary resident of the state. Additionally, a Virginia medical marijuana doctor must certify that your medical condition could benefit from cannabis use.

What are the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Virginia?

There are no specific qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Virginia.  Instead, a cannabis doctor decides whether a patient’s condition or disease could benefit from medical cannabis. 

The most common conditions treated with medical cannabis include cancer, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and severe nausea.

What do you need to get a medical card in Virginia?

To get a medical card in Virginia, you must be a resident of the state and have a condition that may benefit from the medical use of cannabis. If you meet these requirements, the next step is getting a cannabis certification. Next, register with the Medical Cannabis Program.

You’ll need the following documents when applying for the VA medical card:

  • your government-issued ID, 
  • the written certification, 
  • and proof of Virginia residency if your ID is out-of-state or expired. 
  • The registration and renewal fees for patients are $50.

Are there any dispensaries in Virginia?

Yes, there are 23 medical marijuana dispensaries currently operating in Virginia. However, there are no recreational dispensaries in the state since the Governor vetoed a bill that would have legalized recreational sales.

What is the limit at a dispensary in Virginia?

In Virginia, dispensaries can dispense at most a 90-day supply of cannabis to patients every 90 days. Moreover, each cannabis patient can buy no more than four (4) ounces of botanical cannabis every 30 days. 

Can I go to a dispensary without a card in Virginia?

No. You need a medical card or a cannabis certification to buy from a dispensary in Virginia. Patients must present a valid Virginia medical marijuana card or a cannabis certification plus a government-issued ID and proof of Virginia residency when buying cannabis.

How much is medical marijuana in VA?

The cost of medical marijuana in Virginia can vary depending on the product type and quantity. Generally, patients pay around $14 per gram for cannabis flower. 

Additionally, patients in Virginia must obtain a written certification from a registered practitioner, which can cost up to $200, which must be renewed annually for continued access.

Quick Med Cards is the cheapest option for cannabis certifications in Virginia. We charge $45 – $149 for telemedicine consultations and certifications.

The state fee for the Virginia medical marijuana card is $50 for patients and $25 for parents/ guardians of qualifying minors and registered agents.

How many marijuana plants can you grow in Virginia?

Adults aged 21 and over can legally grow up to four (4) cannabis plants per household for personal use in Virginia.

Can an out-of-state resident get a medical card in Virginia?

No, only residents of Virginia can get a medical marijuana card.

What states can I use a Virginia medical card in?

Several states recognize and accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, including Virginia’s. Some states that may accept the Virginia medical card include:

  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Hawaii
  • Maine 
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico 
  • Oklahoma
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rhode Island
  • Utah
  • Washington, D.C.

Reciprocity laws vary from state to state. So, ensure you review the specific requirements and reciprocity laws for each state or jurisdiction you plan to visit.

How to Contact the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program

State Agency:
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA)

Phone:
804-873-5865

Email:
medicalcannabis@cca.virginia.gov (for questions about the medical cannabis program)
info@cca.virginia.gov (general information)

Address:
333 E. Franklin Street – Ste. 200
Richmond, VA 23219

Website:
https://www.cca.virginia.gov/