Virginia’s Medical Marijuana Program Updates to a New Digital ID System

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Virginia’s medical marijuana program has always operated digitally. Currently, patients are issued a digital certification containing a barcode that dispensaries can scan, and patients can choose to keep their certification digitally or print a copy if they prefer.

The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) continues to improve the program, making patient verification and access to medical marijuana records more secure and convenient. Plus, patients will receive a digital card instead of a certification. 

The Current System

Right now, patients receive a digital certification from the VCCA after their appointment. The key features of this system are:

• Barcode for Dispensaries: The digital certification includes a barcode that dispensaries can scan to verify patient eligibility.

While this system is effective, the digital card program will add new features that further simplify patient identification and dispensary verification.

New Digital ID Cards

Starting December 1st, 2025,  the CCA will be issuing digital ID cards to patients instead of digital certifications. These new cards are designed to improve patient identification and make verification at dispensaries easier.

Key features of the new digital ID:

• PATS Number: Each card includes a PATS number, a patient verification code that dispensaries use to confirm eligibility. Since the system is new, the PATS number is not yet on all cards, so dispensaries will need to verify patient information manually.

This is an example of what the new digital ID cards look like:

What Patients Should Do

• Existing Certifications Are Still Valid: Patients who already have a certification, including paper forms, do not need to take any action. Existing certifications will remain valid until they are up for renewal after one year.

• Update Your Information: Make sure your personal information is current with your practitioner.

• Access Your Digital ID: Log in to the CCA portal to view and use your digital ID card.

• Printing Is Optional: You can print a copy for your records, but the digital version is fully valid at all licensed dispensaries.

Virginia’s move to digital ID cards strengthens patient verification while maintaining the convenience of a fully electronic process. Patients benefit from secure, accurate identification, easier access to their records, and flexibility in how they use their digital card.

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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