Virginia House Passes Bill to Allow Medical Marijuana Use in Hospitals

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Virginia is taking big steps forward for medical marijuana patients. The Virginia House of Delegates recently passed a bill that would allow registered terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana while staying in hospitals. This change is aimed at helping patients who are terminally ill to continue their treatment without interruption.

What the Bill Does

Currently, Virginia law allows for the possession and administration of medical marijuana oil in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice facilities, but hospitals have not been included. That means patients often have to stop using marijuana when they are admitted.

The new bill, House Bill 75, would add hospitals to the list of places where medical marijuana use is allowed. Patients who are terminally ill or those in end-of-life care could continue using marijuana during their hospital stay. Hospitals would be responsible for creating policies that ensure safe and responsible use for their patients.

Why Federal Law Matters

House Bill 75 includes an important condition: it would only take effect if marijuana is rescheduled at the federal level. Currently, marijuana is a Schedule I substance, which limits how hospitals that receive federal funding can handle it. 

Marijuana is in the process of being rescheduled to Schedule III. On December 18, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Attorney General to speed up this process. Schedule III drugs are recognized as having accepted medical uses and a lower risk of addiction.

Once marijuana is officially moved to Schedule III:

• Hospitals will be able to allow medical marijuana use without federal penalties.

• Researchers can study marijuana more easily, improving knowledge of its medical benefits.

• Businesses and medical programs could see more federal support and fewer legal hurdles.

It’s important to note that federal rescheduling doesn’t instantly legalize marijuana nationwide. State laws, like Virginia’s medical marijuana program, will still govern possession, use, and distribution. But this federal recognition is a major step toward expanding patient protections, including the ability to use marijuana safely during hospital stays.

How This Would Help Patients

For many patients, stopping marijuana use in the hospital can make symptoms worse or interfere with their comfort and treatment. This bill gives hospitals the option to allow registered medical marijuana patients who are terminally ill to continue their treatment. Supporters say the goal is to treat marijuana like other doctor-recommended treatments.

It’s important to note that hospitals are not required to allow marijuana use; each facility can create its own rules and policies for registered patients.

Next Steps

The bill has strong support. It was passed by both the Virginia Senate and the House of Delegates and now must be signed by the governor.

Once the governor signs it, and federal rescheduling happens, terminally ill patients in Virginia could legally use medical marijuana in hospitals.

Final Thoughts

This bill reflects Virginia’s ongoing efforts to modernize medical marijuana laws and expand protections for patients. If you are a medical marijuana patient or considering becoming one, having an active Virginia medical marijuana card is essential. While recreational use is legal in Virginia, there are currently no legal retail sales for recreational users, so only patients with a medical card can purchase marijuana from licensed dispensaries right now. This ensures you can access your medicine legally and safely, especially as new protections, like hospital use, take effect.

With these changes, patients could soon have more consistent care options, even during hospital stays, making it easier to manage symptoms and maintain comfort during treatment.

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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