Find a Doctor & Get a Medical Cannabis Card in Virginia
Is medical marijuana legal in Virginia?
Cannabis is legal in Virginia for medical and recreational use, with adult-use stores slated to open in 2024.
To gain access to medical cannabis, patients in Virginia need to acquire a Written Certification for the Use of Medical Cannabis from a registered practitioner (doctor or nurse practitioner).
This certification can be obtained by contacting Compassionate Clinics of America if your primary care physician does not issue medicinal cannabis recommendations.
This certification must be presented at the dispensary when obtaining cannabis products.
As of July 1, 2022, the necessity for patients, parents, and legal guardians to register with the Board of Pharmacy was removed.
However, a certification from a medical practitioner is still mandatory and must be presented at the dispensary, along with a government-issued ID, to acquire cannabis.
It is no longer necessary to provide proof of registration with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy to purchase products at medical marijuana dispensaries, however it is optional that patients can apply to receive physical medical marijuana cards.
What products may medical marijuana patients obtain from dispensaries?
Medical marijuana patients in Virginia may obtain the following medical cannabis products within a 30-day period:
- a 90-day supply of THC-A or CBD oil, or
- up to four ounces of botanical cannabis (flower)
Do I need a doctor’s referral to get a cannabis certification in Virginia?
Usually referred to as a medical marijuana card, the document to participate in the Virginia medical marijuana program is called a Written Medical Marijuana Certification.
Previously one of the most restrictive in the country, Virginia expanded its qualifying conditions beyond small amounts of cannabis decriminalization in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the updated legislation, registered practitioners are now authorized to issue written certifications for the use of cannabidiol oil and THC-A oil, subject to dosage limitations set by the Board of Pharmacy.
Compassionate Clinics of America offers qualifying patients a written medical certification from a medical marijuana doctor to participate in the Virginia medical marijuana program and purchase medical marijuana in Virginia dispensaries.
Can I still get a medical cannabis card in Virginia?
While it is no longer mandatory for patients, parents, or legal guardians to seek registration from the Board of Pharmacy, there is an option to obtain an optional medical cannabis card for a fee of $50.
To get a physical medical cannabis card in Virginia, you must complete an online application, pay the $50 application fee, and provide a copy of the Written Certification for the Use of Medical Cannabis, along with proof of age, identity, and residency, to the Board of Pharmacy. Getting a medical marijuana card from the Board of Pharmacy is a completely optional process, and a certification will suffice to purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary.
Compassionate Clinics of America will be pleased to help you through this process.
Who qualifies for a medical marijuana certification and card in Virginia?
To obtain medical marijuana treatment in Virginia and buy medical marijuana, there is no list of qualifying conditions like there is in most states.
Instead, a Virginia medical marijuana doctor can recommend medical marijuana for any medical condition they deem will benefit a patient.
We recommend medical patients have their medical records available for an appointment with our health professionals as you discuss their conditions and medical history.
How do I get a medical marijuana certification in Virginia?
To get a medical marijuana recommendation and become a medical marijuana patient, schedule an appointment with a licensed Virginia physician at Compassionate Clinics of America to discuss your medical condition and medical history.
After an adequate and full medical evaluation and thorough assessment, if the practitioner determines you qualify for medical marijuana use, they will provide a Written Certification for the Use of Medical Cannabis.
What documents are required to obtain medical cannabis products from a dispensary?
With the Written Certification and a government-issued ID such as your driver’s license, visit a licensed medical marijuana dispensary in Virginia to obtain medical marijuana.
Present your certification and ID at the medical cannabis dispensary to purchase medical cannabis products that suit your needs and condition.
What are the benefits of medical marijuana certifications in Virginia?
Obtaining a medical marijuana certification in Virginia offers several benefits to eligible individuals. Firstly, a it provides legal protection in accordance with the state’s medical marijuana laws.
With a valid certification, a medical patient is granted legal access to medical cannabis products in accordance with Virginia’s laws. This protection allows patients to use and possess medical marijuana without the fear of legal repercussions, ensuring peace of mind while managing their medical condition.
Secondly, a medical marijuana certification opens the door to a wider range of treatment options.
By obtaining a certification, patients gain access to cannabis dispensaries where they can purchase various forms of medicinal products, such as oils, tinctures, capsules, medical marijuana flower, and lozenges.
These products may contain THC or CBD, as well as other cannabinoids and terpenes. With a broader range of treatment options available, patients have the opportunity to explore different formulations and dosages that best suit their specific medical needs, potentially improving their overall health and well-being.
Finally, one of the biggest benefits of being a medical cannabis patient is cost savings.
Virginia cannabis patients do not pay taxes on medical cannabis products. Virginia’s adult-use program will be one of the highest taxed in the country. Virginia’s adult-use stores, which are scheduled to open in 2024, will collect a 21% state cannabis excise tax in addition to the statewide 5.3% sales tax. In addition, 3% tax may be added by the local municipality.
How much does it cost to get a medical certification in Virginia?
The cost for a medical cannabis certification in Virginia is $179. The renewal fee for a medical cannabis certification is $159.
We offer Sezzle payment options to break up the cost into separate, affordable payments.
If you would like to obtain a physical medical marijuana card, an additional $50 fee is required, but having a written certification is sufficient, and a physical marijuana card in Virginia is no longer required to access medical cannabis.
How long is my ID card valid in Virginia?
Your marijuana certification in the state of Virginia is valid for a period of 12 months and must be renewed with a Virginia medical marijuana doctor to remain valid.
Compassionate Clinics of America provides renewals for a medical marijuana recommendation as well as certifications for first-time patients.
When can I renew my Virginia medical marijuana card? What is required for renewal?
To renew their certification, medical marijuana patients should bring any medical records supporting their condition to the appointment.
A medical marijuana doctor will assess whether you will continue to benefit from using medical marijuana and will re-issue a certification.
I’ve heard I can renew my medical card in Virginia for $20. Where can I renew my medical card for $20?
While some companies may claim that they can renew your Virginia medical card for just $20, no such provider actually exists.
The cost to renew your medical cannabis certification in Virginia with Compassionate Clinics of America is $159, and we are with you throughout every step of the way.
Can I become a registered agent for someone else?
A patient, or the patient’s parent or legal guardian, may choose a registered agent to receive medical cannabis on behalf of the patient.
Registered agents may not serve more than two registered patients.
Can I own a gun and have a medical cannabis card in Virginia?
In Virginia, holding a medical cannabis card while also owning a firearm presents a legal challenge due to conflicting state and federal regulations. While the state allows both medical cannabis use and firearm ownership, federal law prohibits individuals with medical cannabis cards from possessing guns.
To purchase a firearm in Virginia, you must complete an ATF form that specifically asks about illegal marijuana use or addiction. Even though medical marijuana is legal in Virginia for medicinal purposes, answering “yes” to this question on the form can disqualify you from buying a firearm due to federal law still considering marijuana illegal.
While the federal government doesn’t have access to Virginia’s list of medical marijuana users, the state conducts criminal background checks during gun purchases, focusing on factors related to higher gun violence risk.
The interaction between medical marijuana use and gun ownership in Virginia remains uncertain, making it crucial for individuals to stay informed about legal developments to safeguard their rights and lifestyles in this evolving landscape.
Can I grow my own marijuana plants in Virginia?
Yes, the cultivation of up to four plants per household is permitted by those 21 or older. With the legalization of recreational marijuana, Virginia marijuana growers do not have to be a registered patient or be in the medical cannabis program.
Can I use medical marijuana anywhere in Virginia?
The use of medical marijuana is generally restricted to private residences.
In some cases, owners of private residences may restrict the use of cannabis on their property.
Is a medical card from other state medical marijuana programs valid in Virginia?
No, to visit Virginia dispensaries and obtain medical marijuana products, you must be a resident of Virginia.
The state does not have a reciprocity program where a medical marijuana card from another state is accepted to obtain Virginia medical marijuana.
Can I purchase medical marijuana in other states with my Virginia medical card?
Virginia patient certifications for medical cannabis may be recognized by certain other states, allowing patients to obtain medical marijuana products within those states.
However, it is important to note that each state has its own regulations and limitations regarding the purchase allowances for out-of-state patients.
Can a doctor complete a medical marijuana certification via telehealth?
Yes! When you book an appointment to become a medical patient with Compassionate Clinics of America, an adequate and thorough assessment is done through telehealth.
Virginia patients will meet with one of our medical marijuana doctors who will be able to assess whether you would benefit from participating in the Virginia medical marijuana program.
When does the physician certification expire?
The physician’s certification is valid for a period of 12 months.
When you get your certification with Compassionate Clinics of America, you will be reminded when it is time to renew.
Questions About Medical Cannabis Certification in Virginia?
Feel free to connect with us anytime at [email protected] or call us at (888) 611-4820.
For Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia’s Medical Marijuana program, visit the state page here:
Virginia Medical Marijuana FAQ’s
