The news is in— processing times are long and only getting longer by the day right now in Virginia. Those seeking to get their Virginia medical marijuana cards are waiting weeks and, in some cases, many months for their cards. While this period of adjustment may be frustrating, citizens of the commonwealth need not fear— processing times will get better, and there are already plans in place to help reduce these long wait times.
Six Weeks to Process Medical Marijuana Applications
According to reporting done in the Free Lance Star out of Fredericksburg, wait times were around six weeks as of mid-June this year. That was already more than the initial 30 days announced by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Since then, times have stretched even longer, with one Roanoke applicant reporting 51 days total spent waiting to receive a card.
A Bogged Down Marijuana Card Application System, For Now
Why all the delays? It seems the system may be currently overwhelmed and understaffed. There are an approximate 30,000+ medical marijuana applications in the system right now with only three workers currently processing applications.
As of October 2021, the Board has announced that it will be adding on new staff to help with the overflow. That’s good news for the medical cannabis applicants in the queue, and it’s a clear sign that things will get better. Three new processors have already been hired and are set to start shortly.
Why the Wait for Legal Access is Worth It
Although wait times may be long right now, they are well worth it, overall. Turning to alternatives on the black market are not the best options. Why?
A Higher Grade of Cannabis Products
With a medical marijuana card, you are getting a better product, for one. Cannabis products offered through Virginia dispensaries are high-quality options with vetted ingredients that have been tested for safety. You know what you're getting, as well—Virginia dispensary products include detailed descriptions on user experience and quality, THC and CBD levels, and more. You can also review customer feedback that can help you make sure a product is right for you. None of that would be available with a black market option.
Medical Marijuana is a Healthier and Safer Option
Cannabis purchased with a medical marijuana card through an official Virginia dispensary also gives you a healthier and safer product. First off, from the medical perspective, you are accessing a prescribed cannabis product that can better address your needs and symptoms. The medical professionals who prescribe these products have extensive experience and insight into what product works best for a patient's particular situation. Finally, a medical marijuana card ensures that you stay within the legal parameters defined by the state so that you can enjoy cannabis safely and legally.
Tips for Speeding Things Up
How can you make your wait time a little shorter? Here are a few tips you can use to get that medical marijuana card to you a bit faster.
Go Online
Going back and forth to a brick and mortar location to deal with your application takes time. Going to a doctor for your prescription takes time. With wait times already taking a bit, why not go digital? Applying for your card online is the best way to make the application process as efficient as possible. These online services can also give you access to useful resources that can help you learn more about medical marijuana and how it can best help you.
Have Everything Ready
One sure fire way to speed up the process? Make sure you have everything ready in advance. To get a medical marijuana card in Virginia, you must have a current proof of Virginia residency in the form of a driver’s license or a state ID card. Make sure that your state ID is current and that it will still be valid once you submit your Virginia medical marijuana application. Once you are ready to submit your application, make sure that all information is correct, especially your contact info, so that the Board can get in touch with you if needed.
Schedule Online Medical Marijuana Appointments
You will also need written certification from a physician recommending that you receive medical marijuana. One thing speeding up these wait times is the fact that Virginians can get in touch with certified marijuana physicians online. By cutting out long wait times at a clinic and commute times to those appointments, this online doctor approval process takes a lot of the pain and inconvenience out of the longer application process.
If you are interested in getting started and qualifying for your own medical marijuana card, get started on the process and schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor online today. Once you are approved for medical cannabis, you will have a card that gives you safe and legal access to medical marijuana across the Commonwealth.
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 the 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!
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