Driving and Marijuana Use in Virginia: What Medical and Recreational Users Need to Know

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Marijuana use is common in Virginia, and many adults are enjoying it responsibly for medical or recreational purposes. While using marijuana can be safe in private, driving under the influence of marijuana is never safe. Understanding how marijuana affects driving and what the law says can help keep you, your passengers, and everyone on the road safe.

How Marijuana Affects Driving

Marijuana can affect the brain in ways that make driving risky. It can slow your reaction time, reduce coordination, and impair your ability to judge distances or speeds accurately. It can also affect decision-making, making it harder to respond quickly in unexpected situations. These effects may seem minor, but even small delays can have serious consequences on the road. Many people think they can drive safely after using marijuana, but research shows that impaired driving is still dangerous, even if you feel “okay.”

Is Driving High Illegal in Virginia?

Yes. In Virginia, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. The law makes it clear that you cannot operate a vehicle if marijuana affects your ability to drive safely, even if you feel alert. This means:

• You cannot drive while high.

• You cannot use marijuana while driving.

• Marijuana should not be within easy reach in the car.

• Passengers should avoid using marijuana in a moving vehicle.

Penalties for Driving High

Virginia takes impaired driving seriously. If you are caught driving high, the consequences can include:

• Fines up to $2,500

• Up to one year in jail

• Loss of your driver’s license

• Mandatory minimum fines

These penalties are similar to those for driving under the influence of alcohol. The consequences can be even more severe if you are involved in a crash while impaired.

Safe Driving Campaign in Virginia

To help prevent marijuana-impaired driving, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority recently launched a statewide campaign. The campaign encourages drivers to make a plan before using marijuana and to always choose a safe, sober way home.

The campaign’s message is simple: “If you feel different, you drive different.” By planning ahead and making safe choices, Virginians can enjoy marijuana responsibly without putting themselves or others at risk.

Tips for Staying Safe

If you plan to use marijuana:

• Plan for a sober ride home using a designated driver or rideshare.

• Stay somewhere safe where you don’t need to drive.

• Allow plenty of time for the effects to wear off before getting behind the wheel. 

Because marijuana affects everyone differently and impairment can last longer than you feel high, especially with edibles, there’s no exact safe timeframe, so it’s best to wait several hours at minimum and avoid driving the same day if you’re unsure.

Final Takeaway

Marijuana can affect your driving in ways you might not notice, even if you feel fine. Driving while high is illegal in Virginia and carries serious penalties. The safest choice is to always avoid driving after using marijuana.

By understanding the risks and planning ahead, you can enjoy marijuana responsibly while keeping yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road safe. Driving sober isn’t just a legal responsibility; it’s a critical part of protecting your life and the lives of others.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today

Lucky for you, medical marijuana is already available in Virginia! You can get your medical marijuana card and access dispensaries today! 

Recreational marijuana is legal in Virginia, but it does not mean much since there are no recreational dispensaries to purchase products from.

If you don’t already have your card, 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. There’s no list of qualifying conditions, so anyone with a medical condition could get a medical marijuana card! With telemedicine, it is now easier than ever to get your medical card from the comfort of your own home!

Schedule an evaluation online today, and we’ll make an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors.

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Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Virginia Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Virginia’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.

Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (888) 633-5808 or schedule your evaluation today

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