The rules are changing ever so slightly for Virginians interested in getting their medical marijuana cards! The good news is that these changes will make it even easier for Virginians to enjoy medical marijuana and find relief for their symptoms. What exactly is happening, and how will this impact citizens of the Commonwealth who want access to the therapeutic benefits of cannabis? Read on to find out!
The Old Process – Registration and a Wait
When the medical marijuana program in Virginia launched in 2021, getting access to medical marijuana was a multistep process. Patients would first consult with a certified physician who would then make an official recommendation that the patient receive medical marijuana for the treatment of their condition.
The next step was registering with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. An application could be submitted online or in person. This was where a lot of complexity—and a lot of waiting—came into play. In the months immediately after legalization, the waiting list at the Board of Pharmacy of people waiting for their cards escalated to the tens of thousands, leaving many frustrated. The state responded, saying that they would hire more personnel to process the applications. While the pace picked up somewhat from that point on, there was still something of a wait time for many patients. When you’re looking for relief from chronic symptoms, even a day’s wait can be too much.
No More Registration!
That’s where the new legislation stepped in. The new bill has now eliminated the need to register with the Board of Pharmacy. Phew! Once the law goes into effect, Virginians will no longer need to register with the Board and wait for approval to arrive. If, however, a Virginian prefers to have this official documentation, they can still go through the registration process with the Board of Pharmacy.
What do you still need to do? Consult with a certified medical marijuana doctor. Once you have scheduled your consult and received your recommendation, you will be able to go directly to dispensaries in Virginia and purchase the products you need.
When the New Law Takes Effect
When will this new law take effect in the Commonwealth? Not until July 1, 2022. In the meantime, all Virginians will need to continue registering with the Board of Pharmacy in order to receive medical marijuana at a regional dispensary. There is currently a backlog of an estimated 8,000 patients in Virginia. The registration process also involves a fee and a 60-day waiting period.
Fortunately, a faster process is in sight in the Commonwealth. In just a few short months, Virginians will be able to access the natural therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana much more quickly and easily! Here’s looking forward to 2022.
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.