With VA cannabis laws changing rapidly, what kinds of legal marijuana products can you buy?
Virginia’s relationship with cannabis has been changing rapidly, and recent recreational/adult-use legalization has caused a fair amount of confusion about what happens next for people who qualify for medical marijuana in the Commonwealth.
The short answer is that having a VA marijuana card is still the safest, most dependable way to get cannabis products. Click here to see if you might qualify for a medical marijuana card in Virginia.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, we want to help you stay informed as the cannabis landscape in the state changes. In other posts, we have given more of a detailed explanation of why it’s still a good idea to get a marijuana card even though adult-use marijuana is legal in VA, but today we are going to take a look at the products that are available in Virginia dispensaries, and what’s ahead for the state.
Vape Pens
Vape Pens are convenient and transportable. You can stick your vape pen in your purse or pocket, and pull it out to use whenever you’re ready. While some are more pungent and have a stronger flavor than others, some formulas bring out the sweeter and more floral terpenes for a crafted vaping experience.
In Virginia, you can get disposable vape pens as well as vape cartridge refills. Refills generally come in a syringe that you can use to fill an empty cartridge.
Vape Pen Pros
Portable
No preparation
Smooth
Generally milder, lighter odor
Immediate effects
Vape Pen Cons
Requires inhaling cannabis vapor
Selection is still limited
Can be pricey
Popular Vape Pens at Virginia Dispensaries
Ghost OG
Kimbo Kush
3 Chems
Medical Marijuana Extracts: Live Rosin Dabs
Live rosin is a unique product, in that it is made with uncured marijuana buds fresh off the plant. Processors use a combination of heat and pressure to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes, and the result is a sticky, pungent extract that you can dab.
Dabbing requires a dab rig—which you can find in a VA headshop—or you can use a DIY dabbing device. We don’t recommend using live rosin dabs for beginners, as it can get messy and quite sticky. Additionally, these types of products generally have a pretty high concentration (60-80% THC) and can be incredibly potent.
Live Resin Pros
Extremely potent - A little goes a long way
Versatile - Ready to be vaped, smoked, or mixed into your breakfast
Purest format currently available - Requires no solvents
Live Resin Cons
More expensive
Less availability/fewer strain options
Inconvenient to use
Not a great product for beginners
Live Resin Dab Strains at Virginia Dispensaries
3 Chems
Pineapple Taffy
Purple Punch
Cannabis Edibles
Even the most seasoned cannabis consumers are sometimes intimidated to try edibles. But as long as you start low and go slow, this could become your new favorite format. Edibles do not come with an odor when you use them, they last longer, and may be more effective at reducing general body aches and pains.
Edibles are one of the most convenient and discreet ways to get your daily dose of THC therapy. Check out this guide to using edibles for more information on how to start incorporating edibles into your routine.
Edible Pros
Discreet
Fun flavors
Easy to DIY
Portable
Lasts four or more hours
Edible Cons
Difficult to control
Takes time to adjust
Lasts four or more hours
Takes longer to feel effects
Edibles at Missouri Dispensaries
*Edibles often don’t come with strains listed, and they are usually found in sativa, indica, and hybrid varieties.
Dharma Pharmaceuticals - Gummy candies and chews
gLeaf - Chocolates
Medical Marijuana Tinctures
Tinctures at VA dispensaries are often a little lower in THC concentration than other products, and they also have a more balanced THC:CBD ratio. They are a gentle option for patients who are new to using cannabis to treat their symptoms, and they can either be ingested or taken sublingually.
Mix tinctures into your favorite recipes, use them to make your own DIY edibles, or take them sublingually for a faster effect.
Tincture Pros
Mild
Lower THC concentration
Versatile
Don’t need to inhale
Comparatively inexpensive
Tincture Cons
Only one higher THC option
No choice of strain
Tincture Choices at Virginia Dispensaries
Flavored
High THC
High CBD
Cannabis Topicals
Cannabis topicals provide targeted relief for muscle pains and injuries. They are a great option if you are using medical marijuana to treat chronic pain, but you are trying to avoid mental impairment.
Some people who use medical marijuana use THC-infused topicals to help get them through their work day, and then they switch to other products when they are off the clock.
Cannabis Topical Pros
Won’t cause impairment
Targeted relief
Fast-acting
Cannabis Topical Cons
Only works for targeted pain
Can be very expensive
Cannabis Topicals Available at Virginia Dispensaries
Salves
Gels
Cannabis Flower/Buds
We would be remiss if we didn’t at least mention cannabis flower in our guide to what’s available at cannabis dispensaries in Virginia. Buds are by far the most popular cannabis format among consumers and medical marijuana patients, and cannabis flower is coming to Virginia dispensaries soon!
The bill to approve cannabis flower was passed in February 2021. As of April 2021, there is still no sign of any flower product at a VA dispensary, but producers are set to start putting new products out starting by the end of summer! This should help drive prices down and make the medical marijuana program in Virginia more accessible to residents.
Cannabis Flower Pros
Most familiar format
Least amount of processing
Arguably the most aesthetically pleasing
Affordable
Cons of Cannabis Flower
Pungent odor that may linger on clothes
Requires more preparation
Some may not want to inhale smoke into their lungs’
Not yet available in Virginia dispensaries
Get a Virginia Marijuana Card to Take Advantage of All the Options Available Now at VA Dispensaries
Don’t forget you need a Virginia marijuana card in order to legally purchase marijuana (even after July 1, 2021), and our doctors are ready to answer all your questions! Schedule an appointment today, in order to get on track for the natural relief you deserve!
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 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. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Virginia!