Understanding the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program

Related

• How to Get a Medical Card in Virginia
• The Virginia Medical Card Requirements

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 are required to 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 has certified that you have a medical condition that may benefit from cannabis treatment. 

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

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

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in VA

Getting 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.

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 to 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.

Recreational Marijuana in Virginia

Virginia legalized recreational marijuana on July 1, 2021, and established the Virginia 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 the Virginia General Assembly has not yet reenacted the legislative framework for the retail cannabis market.

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

1. Access and Availability: As a cardholder, you can buy medical cannabis from any of the 22 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.

2. 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. 

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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. 

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

1. 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​.

2. 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 22 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.