Virginia Medical Marijuana Frequently Asked Questions: Home Cultivation, Gun Rights, and More

Virginia’s medical marijuana program has grown significantly over the last few years, but many patients still have questions about how it all works, especially when it comes to evolving laws and patient rights. From home cultivation to gun ownership and patient protections, we’re breaking down some of the most frequently asked questions for Virginia residents looking to stay informed.

Can You Grow Medical Marijuana in Virginia?

Yes, home cultivation is legal in Virginia for adults 21 and older. You can grow up to four plants per household, regardless of how many adults live there. However, there are some important rules to follow:

• Plants must be tagged with your name, driver’s license/state ID number, and a note that they’re for personal use.

• Plants must be kept out of public view.

• No sale or distribution of home-grown marijuana is allowed.

• Cultivation is only legal for personal use, not for others, even if they’re registered patients.

It’s also worth noting that while recreational cultivation is legal, you can't access Virginia marijuana dispensaries without a medical marijuana card. Registered medical marijuana patients still benefit from legal protections and access to dispensary-quality products that meet strict safety and labeling standards.

Can Medical Marijuana Patients Own Guns in Virginia?

This is one of the most complex and frequently asked questions, and unfortunately, the answer is still murky.

Under federal law, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, and it’s illegal to possess firearms if you’re a “user of a controlled substance.” That means medical marijuana patients cannot purchase guns under federal law, even if state law permits medical marijuana use.

Virginia does not have any state law prohibiting medical marijuana patients from owning guns, but federal law still applies, especially when filling out the ATF Form 4473 for gun purchases. Patients are encouraged to consult legal counsel if they have concerns, as enforcement and legal interpretations can vary.

Do You Still Need a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia?

Even though recreational use is legal in Virginia for adults over 21, there is no way to legally buy recreational marijuana yet. To access marijuana products from Virginia dispensaries, you need a valid medical marijuana card. A medical marijuana card provides benefits that recreational users don’t have access to, including:

• Access to dispensaries 

• Access to professional guidance and dosage recommendations

• Legal protections specific to medical patients

Even with home cultivation legal, many patients still choose to use licensed dispensaries for access to safe, lab-tested products.

What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana in Virginia?

Virginia allows medical marijuana for any condition that a registered practitioner believes may benefit from it. There’s no strict list of qualifying conditions, which means patients with a wide range of issues, from chronic pain to anxiety, may be eligible for treatment.

Common conditions include:

• Alzheimer’s Disease

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

• Anxiety

• Autism

• Cachexia and wasting syndrome

• Cancer

• Crohn’s Disease

• Chronic Pain

• Epilepsy and other seizure disorders

• Fibromyalgia

• Glaucoma

• Hepatitis C

• Huntington’s Disease

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Sickle Cell Anemia

• Tourette’s Syndrome

Do Employers in Virginia Have to Accommodate Medical Marijuana Use?

While Virginia law protects registered medical marijuana patients from being discriminated against or fired solely for their patient status, employers are not required to allow use at work or ignore positive drug tests. If you work in a safety-sensitive job or one governed by federal regulations, you could still face consequences for medical marijuana use, even with a card.

It’s best to discuss your situation with your employer or HR department if you're concerned about workplace policies.

Final Thoughts

Virginia’s medical marijuana program continues to evolve, but staying informed can help you make the most of your patient rights and treatment options. Whether you're considering home cultivation, curious about legal risks, or just want to better understand how your card protects you, knowing the facts is key.

Have more questions about Virginia’s medical marijuana laws? Visit our FAQs page for more helpful information or schedule an appointment to speak with one of our certified doctors.

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 if you have a qualifying condition.

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. 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, and take advantage of the many benefits a medical card has to offer!