New changes are underway to the laws that govern medical marijuana in Virginia. If you are interested in getting your Virginia medical marijuana card, you may be a bit confused. What is changing, exactly? Do you still need to talk to a doctor? You do, indeed— and there are other issues to keep in mind as things continue to develop, as well!
What is Changing
Governor Youngkin issued an amendment to the original legalization legislation that will change the registration process in Virginia. Why is this? Because registration is taking a good deal of time and there is a serious backlog of Virginians waiting to gain access to the medical marijuana they need to treat their symptoms.
The changes will allow Virginians to bypass the registration system with the Board of Pharmacy. In the original law, Virginia required that all patients register with the state via the Board, a process which often meant waiting weeks and weeks for a medical marijuana card. As of this writing, there are almost 50,000 individuals in the Commonwealth registered with the state, but a waitlist of about 8000. In the months right after legalization, that waitlist was even longer, topping 30,000!
What Is Staying the Same
There are two things staying the same: medical recommendations and registration for those that want it.
While these changes will hopefully make it easier and faster for Virginians to get access to medical marijuana, citizens of the Commonwealth can still register with the Board if they want formal authorization through this state run entity. Wait times may go down, as many Virginians will bypass the process.
What Virginians cannot bypass is consulting with a certified physician to get a recommendation for medical marijuana. Even after the law goes into effect, every Virginian who wants legal and safe access to medical marijuana must first consult with a certified doctor. These medical professionals can help assess your symptoms and guide you through the process of finding a natural remedy for your condition.
What Happens During Consultation
Consultation is staying on the books just because it is of such enormous benefit to patients. In your appointment, you will review your current medical conditions with your certified medical marijuana doctor, along with the symptoms related to these conditions that can be helped by taking medical marijuana. Keep in mind that Virginia does not require that you have a specific condition. The only requirement is that a medical professional believes that medical marijuana can help assuage your symptoms, and makes a recommendation to that effect.
To that end, medical marijuana can be used to address symptoms from a wide range of disorders. Patients with conditions as diverse as Alzheimer’s, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Sickle Cell Anemia have all found help through medical marijuana!
When It Will Start
The changes will not go into effect until July 1, 2022. Until then, every Virginian looking to access medical marijuana should submit an application for registration to the Virginia Board. After that date, you have the option of sidestepping this cumbersome and timely part of the process. With your medical recommendation from a certified doctor in hand, you will be able to head straight to the dispensary and access the products you need!
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card and Experience Relief ASAP!
Medical marijuana is a safe and legal option for Virginians looking to address symptoms associated with a wide range of diseases. Your first step is consulting with a doctor who can give you the recommendation you need to access this natural product.
Schedule an appointment with an online VA medical marijuana doctor today to start gaining access to safe and legal cannabis products, including tinctures, flower, concentrates and more for your loved one or patient!
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.