There are plenty of questions out there about medical cannabis in Virginia, ranging from questions about getting a Virginia medical marijuana card to questions about state reciprocity and what is required to buy from a medical cannabis dispensary.
Here are some of the top questions and answers.
Is Cannabis Legal in Virginia?
Both medical and recreational cannabis are legal in Virginia, however, there are some finer details associated with this.
You cannot buy recreational cannabis in Virginia, only medical, and only from state-authorized dispensaries. For this, you need a Virginia medical marijuana card.
Possession of up to an ounce of cannabis by adults over 21 is legal, but buying or selling anywhere other than a state-authorized facility is illegal.
Can You Grow Marijuana Plants in Virginia?
Yes, adults 21 and older can grow up to four cannabis plants legally. They may be grown only at the individual’s location of residence and must not be readily visible from the outside of the building.
The owner is responsible for preventing those under the age of 21 from accessing the plants. Each plant must be tagged with the name, driver’s license or ID number, and a note specifying that it is for personal use.
The plants cannot be sold or distributed, and growers may not produce concentrates or manufacture extracts from the plants.
What Other States Recognize Virginia MMJ Cards?
Virginia does not offer reciprocity to holders of medical marijuana cards from other states. However, there are states that offer reciprocity to holders of Virginia medical marijuana cards.
These include:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Washington, D.C.
New Hampshire recognizes the card for possession only and imposes serious limitations. Consult a lawyer if you have questions.
West Virginia offers very limited reciprocity. It allows holders of Virginia medical marijuana cards with terminal cancer to purchase cannabis within its borders.
What Do I Need to Buy from a Dispensary?
Originally, there were three things you need to purchase medical cannabis legally from a dispensary in the state of Virginia.
These were a valid Virginia-issued identification (like a Driver’s License), a Virginia medical marijuana card, and a printed copy of your Virginia medical certification.
However, as of July 2022, HB 933 changed that, and a medical marijuana card became optional. All that is needed now is a state-issued ID, a current Virginia address (temporary or permanent) and a written certification from a healthcare practitioner.
What Are the Qualifying Conditions to Get a Virginia Medical Marijuana Card?
Only a doctor can determine if you qualify for a Virginia medical marijuana card, but there are over 30 conditions which may qualify you, including (but not limited to) the following. In Virginia, any condition that your ReThink-Rx practitioner believes could benefit from cannabis will qualify you.
- Alzheimer’s
- ALS
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Cachexia
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Crohn’s Disease
- Endometriosis
- Epilepsy
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- HIV
- Hepatitis C
- Huntington’s Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Insomnia
- MS
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Peripheral neuropathy
- PTSD
- Spinal Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury
This is not a complete list of qualifying conditions. If you have questions, you can always consult your ReThink-Rx physician about whether or not the symptoms of your condition might be effectively and safely managed with medical cannabis.
What Forms Do I Need to Qualify?
If you decide to apply for a Virginia medical marijuana card online, you will need to upload a copy of your Driver’s License or other government-issued ID. You also need to be at least 18 years of age and have a current resident address in Virginia. The address you use can be either permanent or temporary.
How Much Does It Cost?
There is no set fee, so that depends on where you get it. At Rethink-RX, the entire cost is $99, making us the most affordable option in the state of Virginia.
How Long Is It Valid?
A Virginia medical marijuana card is valid for a period of one year.
How Do I Renew My Virginia Medical Marijuana Card?
The Virginia Board of Pharmacy will email you a renewal notification with a link to the license renewal application site. The steps to renewal are similar to the steps for initial application.
Are There Limits on How Much You Can Buy at Once?
There are limits on purchase volume; you can buy up to a 90-day supply at one time.
Can You Buy Edibles with an MMJ Card?
Yes, you can buy edibles with an MMJ card. You can also buy oils, tinctures, creams, gels, lozenges, and more, from state-operated dispensaries.
Can You Get a Virginia Medical Marijuana Card Online?
Yes, you can get a Virginia medical marijuana card online and the process is very easy, quick, and convenient.
All you need to do is select an appointment to meet with one of our Board of Pharmacy accredited medical professionals, upload a few documents, and meet with a doctor.
The process is affordable, quick, encrypted, and takes almost no time at all. Moreover, if you qualify, we will email you your certificate during the call so you can start visiting dispensaries right away.
How Can Incapacitated Adults Use Cannabis in Virginia?
Incapacitated adult patients in Virginia can elect an “agent” to purchase products for them at the dispensaries. To do this, the agent needs to be named on the certificate for the patient.
Can Minors Apply for a Virginia Medical Marijuana Card?
Minors cannot apply for Virginia medical marijuana cards themselves. However, parents or legal guardians can help qualifying minors gain access to medical cannabis. To do this, parents/guardians must attend the medical evaluation and be named on the certificate, allowing them to purchase products on their behalf.
Don’t See Your Question About Medical Cannabis and Certification? Contact Us
These are some of the more common questions, but we couldn’t answer them all. If you still have questions about the process, laws or regulations, or anything else, feel free to get in touch with us.
Ready to get your Virginia medical marijuana card online? Get started here. The process is easy and straightforward!
Dr. Nicholas Marsh has been a respected board-certified anesthesiologist in Northern Virginia for over 35 years. Recognized as a top doctor by FindaTopDoc.com, his vision for providing top-quality medical services is driven by his passion for patient comfort and dignity.