You got that right! Virginia became the first state in the south of the United States to legalize both medicinal and recreational marijuana. As such, obtaining a cannabis card isn’t a prerequisite for cannabis use in the state. But, you can still be certified. The state has however left this function to the discretion of certified licensed doctors. They can determine whether a marijuana treatment plan is ideal for you and make a recommendation. Be aware that you need a valid prescription from a certified MMJ doctor in Virginia and a state-issued ID to make a purchase.
Do you still feel the need to get a Virginia MMJ card? Go ahead and book an appointment with our top medical marijuana doctors in Virginia.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia
The state hasn’t outlined any specific medical conditions that make you eligible for medical marijuana use. As explained earlier, decisions on whether to certify patients to use cannabis are left up to the VA medical marijuana specialists. The doctors typically make a recommendation when you’re proven to be suffering from a chronic health condition.
While the absence of qualifying conditions is deemed to make accessing medical marijuana easy, it can yield a counteractive effect. It can be frustrating, especially for patients suffering from rare conditions that aren’t commonly associated with marijuana treatment. We’ve listed some of the common illnesses that medical marijuana doctors certify for the program below.
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Cachexia and wasting syndrome
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury
Eligibility Requirements for Virginia Medical Marijuana Card
Patients who want to enroll in the Virginia medical cannabis program must fulfill the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- If you’re a minor, you’ll have to use a medical caregiver to apply for the VA MMJ card on your behalf. Make sure that they’re registered by the state.
- Must be able to show proof of residency.
- You should be certified by a legally Board-registered medical marijuana expert in Virginia. The written certification proves that you suffer from a health condition that can be treated using cannabis.
Virginia Marijuana Medical Card Registration
Once you’ve confirmed that you qualify for the Virginia medical marijuana program, you can start the application process. Follow the instructions below to obtain the medical marijuana card:
Find a Certified Medical Marijuana Doctor in Virginia
Make sure to choose a medical expert authorized by the state. Professional marijuana doctors in Virginia will evaluate you to determine whether cannabis treatment is ideal for you. They do this by assessing your medical history. Once approved, they’ll provide written certification for use in processing your medical card.
Registration
Once you get certified, you must register with the state as a qualified patient for the medical marijuana program. You can do this via the Virginia Department of Health Professions portal. Once approved, you’ll receive a notification via your registered email. The approval allows you to obtain a temporary MMJ card within two days. You can use this as you await the permanent license from the state.
Make Payment
The state charges $50 to adult patients seeking to get a medical card. For minors, legal guardians and parents have to pay $25 to facilitate the process.
Submit the Required Documents
You’ll then have to submit some documents to the Board of Pharmacy online via their official email. These copies will help verify your identity, residence, and age. They also prove that you’re a qualified patient for medical marijuana treatment.
Documents Required for Your Virginia Medical Card Application
The Virginia Board of Pharmacy carries the mandate of registering patients into the program. To complete the online application, you must provide the following documentation. Be aware that you’ll have to scan these copies and mail them to the Board.
- A copy of the medical marijuana certification from a licensed doctor in Virginia. This should be in PDF format.
- Proof of identity. You can attach a state ID, a U.S. passport, or a state-issued driver’s license. Where applicable, especially for minors, an ID for the parent or legal guardian is required.
- Proof of residency. Patients can submit a state-issued driving license or ID. A tax receipt can also be used.
- You must attach your birth certificate to verify or show proof of age. A Virginia ID card or driver’s license can also be used.
The application typically takes about 60 business days to be processed. Once approved, the Virginia MMJ card will be sent to you via mail.
Tip! You can use a state-issued Virginia driving license as proof of identity, age, and residency. Make sure to send all documents in PDF or picture form. Google Drive and iCloud links are not acceptable.
Medical Marijuana Laws in Virginia
Granted, getting medical marijuana certification in Virginia can offer you legal protection. However, there are some laws you’ll have to void prosecution including:
- You can obtain a maximum of 90-day supply for each dispensary visit and have valid certification. Meanwhile, recreational cannabis users can’t hold more than one pound of weed. If found, the charge is classified as a class 3 misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to 10 years. In extreme cases, the sentence may include both.
- Virginia laws allow individuals to grow marijuana for personal use. However, each household can grow a maximum of plants. Surpassing this number is unlawful. You’re also not allowed to sell any marijuana products.
- As of July 2021, adult patients are allowed to share a maximum of one ounce of cannabis. Be aware that the age limit for this is 21 and there shouldn’t be any remuneration tied to the exchange.
- You’re not allowed to publicly consume marijuana in the state. Offering it to others in public spaces is also illegal.
- Possession of marijuana while driving is an offense. Even if you’re legally certified, ensure you don’t store any cannabis in your vehicle when operating a motor vehicle.
- Virginia doesn’t accept the use of medical marijuana cards or certification from other states. If you’ve recently relocated to the state, make sure to contact our marijuana medical doctors and obtain a valid recommendation.
