Question 1

How Will This Transaction Be Shown on My Billing Statement?

Accepted Answer

Your credit card statement will read "Auren Alternative Health".

Question 2

What Is a Medical Marijuana Card?

Accepted Answer

A Virginia medical cannabis card is no longer required for most patients. To purchase products at licensed dispensaries, patients simply need a valid written certification from a registered practitioner along with a government-issued ID. Since July 1, 2022, registering with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (VCCA) has been optional, and proof of VCCA registration is no longer needed to access medical cannabis.

Patients who choose to register with the VCCA can still receive a digital registered-patient card in addition to their written certification. Virginia is now transitioning to a fully digital system, and beginning December 1, 2025, all medical-cannabis certifications will be issued exclusively through the VCCA’s online portal. Paper certifications will be phased out, and patients will instead use a digital certification with a barcode or QR code that dispensaries can scan to verify eligibility.

Question 3

Am I Guaranteed to Get Approved for Medical Marijuana After Visiting a Virginia Marijuana Doctor?

Accepted Answer

We can’t guarantee medical marijuana approval for anyone, as the cannabis doctor is the only person that makes the determination whether or not a patient qualifies. To make it more likely that you receive approval for treatment, we recommend you bring as much information as possible to your appointment regarding your medical condition and past treatments.

Question 4

How Much Does a Virginia Medical Marijuana Card Cost?

Accepted Answer

Some marijuana doctors charge an exorbitant amount of money just for an initial examination. We strongly feel that if you qualify for medical marijuana, you shouldn't have trouble accessing it due to cost.
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We do our best to work with patients to make Virginia marijuana cards affordable and accessible for everyone. If money is a concern for you, please call our patient support representatives at (888) 633-5808 to see if we can offer a medical marijuana evaluation discount..

Question 5

If My Written Certification Expired and I Didn’t Submit My Renewal Application Before the Deadline, Am I Still Eligible to Purchase Medical Marijuana?

Accepted Answer

When your certification expires, the legal protection offered by the Virginia Medical Marijuana Act is expired. You may still submit your renewal application without having to go through the new patient process, but you cannot shop at Virginia medical marijuana dispensaries until you get an up to date certification.

Question 6

Do I need to buy my marijuana from a Virginia dispensary?

Accepted Answer

Yes, to be protected under the Virginia Medical Marijuana Act, your marijuana must come from a licensed Virginia dispensary. Learn more about buying medical marijuana in Virginia.

Question 7

Where Are Dispensaries Located in Virginia? Are There Dispensaries Near Me?

Accepted Answer

For a detailed look at where to find your nearest dispensary, visit our dispensary location master list. 
 
If there is no medical cannabis dispensary near you, check with the closest one to see if you live in a medical marijuana home delivery zone. Most Virginia residents can order medical marijuana products online and have them delivered!

Question 8

Will My Insurance or Medicaid Pay for My Marijuana?

Accepted Answer

Since marijuana is not federally legal, insurance will not cover the cost of the card or product.

Question 9

Do I Need to be a Registered Agent in Order to Purchase Medical Marijuana for a Minor?

Accepted Answer

Qualified patients under 18 years of age cannot purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary. The legal guardian or parent is required to apply as a registered agent to buy medical marijuana for a minor.

The parent or legal guardian must be listed on the written certification completed by the qualified medical practitioner. If not listed on the written certification, the parent or legal guardian must register with the VCCA to receive medical cannabis on behalf of the patient.

Question 10

How many patients can we serve as a registered agent?

Accepted Answer

As a registered agent, we can serve up to two registered patients.

Question 11

Can my employer drug test me for marijuana if I'm a registered patient?

Accepted Answer

As of July 2021, Virginia law prohibits most employers from taking action against employees who test positive for THC if they have a medical marijuana card. You can't be fired or written up for using THC products off the clock. However, your employer must ensure you don't come to work impaired. Having a Virginia marijuana card doesn't allow you to get high at work. Some workplaces may still prohibit cannabis use and enforce drug testing policies. Jobs involving public safety or heavy machinery often exclude those who test positive for THC. While Virginia law protects some medicinal cannabis uses, this may not apply to all users. Cannabis use can also affect workers' compensation claims. If you're in a workplace accident, your employer may require a drug test, and testing positive for THC can impact the process, even if you weren't intoxicated at the time.

Question 12

Can we grow our own medical marijuana at home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, limited home cultivation is legal in Virginia. If you're 21 or older, you can grow up to four cannabis plants per household for personal use. Before you start, talk with everyone in your household and do your research to ensure you're growing cannabis legally, safely, and responsibly. If you rent, remember that landlords can set their own rules about home cultivation.

Question 13

What Are the Consequences of Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Some patients wonder what  the consequences are of getting a medical marijuana card in Virginia, due to long held stigmas surrounding cannabis. Marijuana has become recognized by many as a legitimate medicine, so for most patients, consequences are more related to personal beliefs.
 
Patients living with conditions or symptoms that could benefit from natural relief have plenty of good reasons to get a medical marijuana card today. Give us a call at (888) 633-5808 to get all your questions answered, or schedule an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor online now!

Question 14

Can I Purchase Marijuana Products in Other States With My Virginia Medical Marijuana Card?

Accepted Answer

Other states or jurisdictions may honor Virginia patient credentials to purchase medical cannabis products within their licensed dispensaries. Each jurisdiction establishes its own regulations regarding visitor purchase allowances. Review the requirements of the jurisdiction you are planning to visit.

Question 15

I'm a Medical Marijuana Patient. Can I Smoke or Consume Marijuana Products in Public?

Accepted Answer

It is illegal to consume cannabis in any public place. Virginia code specifies a public place is anywhere the public has access, including but not limited to restaurants, parks, stores, and streets.

Question 16

Can I use marijuana in public or travel with it?

Accepted Answer

Using cannabis in public places like restaurants, parks, or streets is illegal in Virginia. For travel, flying with cannabis containing more than 0.3% THC is against federal law, and TSA must report it if found. Driving with an open container of cannabis or consuming it in a car is also prohibited. Transporting cannabis across state lines or mailing it is illegal under federal law. Always check local laws before traveling with cannabis.

Question 17

Will marijuana use affect my ability to purchase or own a firearm?

Accepted Answer

Yes, using cannabis can affect your ability to own or purchase a firearm. Federal law requires you to certify that you don’t use Schedule I drugs, including cannabis, when buying a firearm or applying for a concealed carry permit. This applies even to medical cannabis users. Firearm owners also cannot sell to anyone they know uses cannabis.

Question 18

Will Marijuana Use Affect My Military Benefits?

Accepted Answer

While medical cannabis is legal in the Commonwealth, military members or veterans using military benefits may still face repercussions from the military for using cannabis. This is true even though cannabis products may often be prescribed for PTSD, a condition that disproportionately impacts veterans and active service members.

While federal legislation has been proposed to address this issue, Congress has not yet passed such legislation and active-duty military and veterans should research this issue before choosing to use medical cannabis or other cannabis.

Question 19

Can cannabis use or working in the cannabis industry affect my immigration status?

Accepted Answer

Yes, using cannabis or working in the cannabis industry can impact your immigration status, even if it’s legal in your state. It may lead to denial of green cards, visas, or re-entry into the U.S. after travel. Noncitizens should consult an attorney before using cannabis or working in the industry.

Question 20

How Will This Transaction Be Shown on My Billing Statement?

Accepted Answer

Your credit card statement will read "Auren Alternative Health".

Question 21

Can Minors Qualify for Marijuana Treatment?

Accepted Answer

Patients under 16 years of age must provide medical records and a letter from their primary care physician before their appointment.The letter must confirm that:- The primary care physician supports medical marijuana as a potential treatment option.- Traditional treatment options and therapies have been considered.

How Will This Transaction Be Shown on My Billing Statement?

What Is a Medical Marijuana Card?

Am I Guaranteed to Get Approved for Medical Marijuana After Visiting a Virginia Marijuana Doctor?

How Much Does a Virginia Medical Marijuana Card Cost?

If My Written Certification Expired and I Didn’t Submit My Renewal Application Before the Deadline, Am I Still Eligible to Purchase Medical Marijuana?

Do I need to buy my marijuana from a Virginia dispensary?

Where Are Dispensaries Located in Virginia? Are There Dispensaries Near Me?

Will My Insurance or Medicaid Pay for My Marijuana?

Do I Need to be a Registered Agent in Order to Purchase Medical Marijuana for a Minor?

How many patients can we serve as a registered agent?

Can my employer drug test me for marijuana if I'm a registered patient?

Can we grow our own medical marijuana at home?

What Are the Consequences of Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia?

Can I Purchase Marijuana Products in Other States With My Virginia Medical Marijuana Card?

I'm a Medical Marijuana Patient. Can I Smoke or Consume Marijuana Products in Public?

Can I use marijuana in public or travel with it?

Will marijuana use affect my ability to purchase or own a firearm?

Will Marijuana Use Affect My Military Benefits?

Can cannabis use or working in the cannabis industry affect my immigration status?

How Will This Transaction Be Shown on My Billing Statement?

Can Minors Qualify for Marijuana Treatment?

Frequently Asked Questions

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