Medical marijuana is legal in the State of Virginia and lawmakers have taken steps to legalize recreational marijuana as well! Last week, lawmakers advanced a bill that would establish a retail market in the state beginning in 2024.
It has been two years since the state legalized recreational cannabis, but doing this without legalizing the sale of cannabis doesn’t do much of anything for the deserving patients in Virginia.
Currently, possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana is legal in Virginia, but the only legal way to obtain it is to receive it as a gift or to grow it.
Under the new bill, recreational marijuana users will be subject to a 21% tax on all dispensary products plus another optional 3% tax depending on the county.
The bill was met with some opposition regarding its fairness to small businesses. If the bill is enacted, pharmaceutical processors who sell medical cannabis would be able to add recreational marijuana to their shelves beginning on January 1, 2024.
This is 6 months earlier than small business owners would be allowed to get licensing for the sale of recreational marijuana. Some are arguing that this gives big businesses an unfair advantage over smaller businesses.
Other people argued that the bill would reduce potential opportunities for Black communities who have already been heavily impacted by the prohibition of marijuana.
This bill would potentially allow big businesses to completely take over the recreational marijuana market, which will no doubt be a huge market in Virginia.
The Bottom Line
Multiple new bills have been proposed in the legislature regarding recreational marijuana. Only time will tell which bills pass, but we will be sure to keep you updated as soon as we find out any new information.
One thing is for sure, the sale of recreational cannabis from dispensaries will not start until at least January of 2024, but it could be even later. In the meantime, you should get your medical cannabis card.
There are countless benefits to having your medical card in a recreational state. First, you will save hundreds or thousands of dollars each month, depending on how much marijuana you purchase.
Recreational marijuana is texted heavily, and medical card holders are not responsible for high tariffs. Also, products at medical dispensaries are typically cheaper than recreational products in general.
A medical marijuana card can also offer you legal protection. Having your medical card means you are backed by a licensed doctor, and this will never hurt your case.
Those with medical marijuana cards also have higher possession, purchase, and growing limits. For example, some states only allow recreational to grow 2-6 plants at home, but medical users may be allowed to grow 50+ plants!
Regardless, it will not be legal to sell recreational marijuana until at least next year. If you are getting antsy, give us a call to see if you would qualify for your medical marijuana card. If you think cannabis would benefit you, there is a good chance you qualify!
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!
Recreational marijuana may be legal in Virginia, but it does not mean much if there are no recreational dispensaries for people to purchase products from. Until then, adults may grow their own.
There is no telling how long it will take for recreational dispensaries to open their doors, but we would assume it will be at least a couple of years. So, if you would like to visit a medical dispensary until then, you will need your medical card.
In order to qualify for your medical marijuana card, you will need to have a condition that would make you eligible. If you aren’t sure if you would qualify, give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have about the process.
If you don’t already have yours, no worries. We can help! If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you would qualify for your medical card in the State of Virginia. With telemedicine, it is now easier than ever to get your medical card from the comfort of your own home!
In Virginia, any inhibiting condition could qualify you for your medical card. If you don’t already have it, we can help! Schedule an evaluation online today and we’ll make an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness
safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on
education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by
providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information.