Despite Law Legalizing Recreational Marijuana, it's Still a Good Idea to Have a Virginia Marijuana Card For Now
Proponents of legal adult-use cannabis in the Old South have finally won a heated battle. On Saturday, February 27, 2021, the Virginia Legislature passed a measure to make recreational cannabis legal in the state along party lines. In the House, the measure passed 48-43. In the Senate, 20-19.
Virginia’s Adult-Use Marijuana Laws Won’t Take Effect Until 2024
The original hope was that even if distribution does not get up and running for another few years, people in Virginia could at least stay out of trouble for possession. That, unfortunately, is not the case.
Old marijuana laws are still in effect until the program is up and running in 2024, and you can get fined or arrested if you are caught with cannabis. Even when the program is in full swing, you will only be able to possess 1.5 ounces at a time—a mere 14 grams more than the decriminalization bill that took effect in 2020.
Medical Marijuana is Legal Right Now
The good news is that your Virginia marijuana card is unaffected by the change in legislation. You can make medical marijuana purchases from licensed Virginia dispensaries if you already have a medical marijuana card, and you can still get one if you suffer from one of the qualifying conditions.
Flower is Now Legal for Medical Marijuana Patients in Virginia
Governor Ralph Northam signed a bill in February authorizing the Virginia Board of Pharmacy to implement a program bringing cannabis flower to dispensaries starting September 1st, 2021.
Some people are hesitant to get a medical marijuana card because they are concerned about cost. Flower becoming available means that there is a greater opportunity for plant medicine to fit into a wider range of budgets.
The Tax Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Virginia legislators were not shy in any way about making sure the adult-use legalization pays for itself and then some. When you can finally purchase recreational marijuana in the state, you’re going to be charged a 21% excise tax in addition to the standard 6% sales tax, and municipalities can charge another 3%.
Medical marijuana is not taxed in the state of Virginia.
Get Your Virginia Marijuana Card Today
If you suffer from a qualifying condition and you have not yet received your Virginia marijuana card, now is a great time to do it. Our doctors are understanding and non-judgmental, and our staff is highly trained to answer all your questions.
Give us a call at 888-633-5808 or click here to schedule an appointment today!