The future of adult use cannabis laws in Virginia are uncertain at best, but medical marijuana is here to stay.
The Commonwealth has been riding high on the recent legislation related to marijuana law and criminal justice reform, but the upcoming election may complicate things for anyone who doesn’t have a Virginia marijuana card.
The current legislation doesn’t include a plan for legal recreational purchase of marijuana products, and lawmakers have set a deadline for an established framework in 2024. But depending on the outcome this November, even that could end up defunct.
Getting a medical marijuana card can protect your right to legal access to the natural products you are looking for, because the medical program is not currently up for debate.
Let’s look at why adult use (also referred to as recreational) marijuana is on the line this November.
No Framework for adult use Cannabis Sales in Place
The legislation signed by Governor Northam earlier in 2021 authorized the establishment of a framework for adult use cannabis sales in Virginia. However, it left outlining how this was all going to happen to lawmakers, essentially keeping the issue up for discussion until the next election.
What Could Happen to Marijuana Laws in Virginia After the November Election?
There are two ends of the spectrum when it comes to adult use marijuana law outcomes after November, and the reality likely lies somewhere in the middle.
If Democrats control the House and Senate, and Virginia gets a Democratic Governor, then the timeline for adult use cannabis sales could move up so that people have legal access sooner. Marijuana reform has gotten wild support among Democrats, as well as the majority of Virginia voters.
Republican opposition on this issue is fierce, however, and Eileen Filler-Corn has pledged that the GOP will try to entirely repeal adult use marijuana legalization if they are able.
Both Glenn Youngkin, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, and Winsome Sears, the nominee for Lieutenant Governor, have expressed concerns about the current legislation as well as its implementation.
Neither seems intent on making repeal a focus of their campaign, but there is a strong chance that they will support any pertinent bill that could come out of a Republican-controlled House or Senate.
Does the Current Debate Over Virginia Adult-Use Legislation Apply to Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana in Virginia is here to stay! There are no questions about whether the Virginia medical marijuana program should remain intact. Producers and dispensaries are well-established, and more products are becoming available all the time.
Right now, residents of Virginia who have a medical marijuana card can visit any licensed dispensary in the state, and many patients can even get cannabis home delivery right to their door.
Your right to getting natural relief from symptoms and conditions is established, recognized, and not currently up for debate.
Early Voting Starts on September 17th
With the pandemic appearing to be back in full swing, it may be a good idea to start thinking about getting to the polls early. Early voting starts on September 17, 2021. Make sure you make your voice heard.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Access to Cannabis in Virginia?
Talking to your state senators and representatives is one of the most important things you can do to protect your rights, no matter what the issue might be. However, you can also get access to marijuana products right now—and protect that access in the future—by getting yourself a Virginia marijuana card.
The patient support experts and healthcare professionals at Virginia Marijuana Card are here to help you through every step of the process. Many conditions qualify for treatment with marijuana in Virginia, and the process is quick and simple through our convenient telehealth service.
Give us a call at (888) 633-5808 to get all your questions answered six days a week. Or, if you’re ready to get started, you can make an appointment for a medical marijuana evaluation online right now!
Whatever your treatment goals, we can help empower you to take charge of your wellness plan and feel your best every day!
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 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. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Virginia!