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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.
To become a Virginia medical cannabis program patient, you must:
• Be a Virginia resident
• Have a condition that may benefit from the use of cannabis products
• Have a valid government-issued form of identification
Patients are eligible for a medical marijuana card once they have received a written certification from a medical practitioner who has determined the patient has a condition or a disease that would benefit from the use of medical marijuana. Click here (https://www.cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis)for more information on becoming a medical cannabis patient.
To obtain your medical marijuana card in Virginia, you must be diagnosed by a licensed Virginia physician with a medical condition that the physician deems can benefit from medical marijuana treatment. (https://www.virginiamarijuanacard.com/how-to-qualify)Our staff at Virginia Marijuana Card is here to simplify the process, connecting you with a certified marijuana doctor online and providing you with your card!
A Virginia medical marijuana certification shows that you have been evaluated and approved for marijuana use by a licensed Virginia physician or other healthcare practitioner.
Although it has been legalized, recreational marijuana is still not available to purchase from Virginia dispensaries. Having a marijuana card is the only way to get legal access to medical marijuana until recreational dispensaries become available.
With a Virginia marijuana card, you can:
1. Buy marijuana from cannabis dispensaries in the State of Virginia(https://www.virginiamarijuanacard.com/virginia-dispensary-locations)
2. Possess quantities of marijuana and marijuana products above the limits on adult-use marijuana in Virginia
3. Consume marijuana and marijuana products in Virginia
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.
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.
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..
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.
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.
For a detailed look at where to find your nearest dispensary, visit our dispensary location master list. (https://www.virginiamarijuanacard.com/virginia-dispensary-locations)
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!
Since marijuana is not federally legal, insurance will not cover the cost of the card or product.
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.
As a registered agent, we can serve up to two registered patients.
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.
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.
The privacy of our patients is our top priority. We go through great lengths to ensure that all patient information is protected and kept confidential. We will also never share any of your contact information with any third party.
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!(https://www.virginiamarijuanacard.com/schedule-now)
Topicals are cannabis-infused products that are absorbed through the skin for localized pain relief, from soreness to inflammation. Topicals are ideal for patients who want the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without experiencing the psychoactive effects associated with other methods. These products can be used to treat a variety of conditions and relieve joint pain, relax muscles and much more. Learn more about topicals and how they work! (https://www.virginiamarijuanacard.com/cannabis-topicals)
To learn more about the different marijuana consumption methods, click here! (https://www.virginiamarijuanacard.com/consumption-methods)
A certification for medical cannabis from a medical practitioner is valid for one year unless the medical practitioner designates an earlier expiration on the written certification.
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.
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.
Using cannabis in public places in Virginia is illegal. Public places include restaurants, parks, stores, and streets. For air travel, it's illegal under federal law to fly with cannabis products containing more than 0.3% THC. TSA must report any cannabis found during security screening. Flying with cannabis over international borders is also illegal. For car travel, it's illegal to use or consume cannabis while driving or as a passenger on a public highway in Virginia. Having an open container of cannabis in the passenger area is also illegal. Transporting cannabis across state or territory lines is illegal under federal law. Mailing cannabis products with more than 0.3% THC is illegal under federal law, and the USPS must comply with federal law. Private mailing companies also prohibit mailing cannabis.
Cannabis use can impact firearm ownership. To purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, you must complete Form 4473 from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), which requires the person completing the form certify they are not a user of any Schedule I drugs, including cannabis. This also applies to medical cannabis users.
Concealed carry permits also require this certification. Firearm owners are prohibited from selling ammunition or firearms to any person they know or “have reasonable cause to believe” uses cannabis.
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.
Using or growing cannabis or being employed or otherwise involved in the cannabis industry can have significant repercussions for noncitizens, even when the activity is legal under state law. Green card applications, permanent visas, and other methods of obtaining United States citizenship or residency can be denied due to cannabis use or cannabis-related employment.
Consumption of cannabis or involvement in the cannabis industry can also result in a noncitizen resident of the United States being denied re-entry after visiting another country. Noncitizens should consult with an attorney before using cannabis or working in the cannabis industry.
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