How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia: 2024 Guide

As the name implies, a medical marijuana card is a state-issued identification card that gives the right to a patient for possession of medicinal cannabis upon a doctor’s recommendation. Only a state or county has the right to issue these cards and they can be used only for medical purposes.

In most states, these cards are valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed from time to time. It usually requires another evaluation from doctors and certain fees that cost less than the initial registration.

Here you will find some of the benefits that a person can get for possessing a medical marijuana card:

Legal Protection

By possessing a medicinal marijuana card, people can use and purchase cannabis without facing any legal repercussions. If your cannabis consumption is within the limits and you have a medical card, no law enforcement body can prosecute you. For any legal concerns or issues, consulting a cannabis lawyer can provide additional guidance and protection.

Access To High Quality Cannabis Products

There is a diverse range of marijuana products that are designed for special medical needs. Popular ones include CBD, THC and a few alternate options like edibles, tinctures, topicals, etc. With a medicinal marijuana card, one can have access to quality products without much hassle. But make to purchase it from a budtender who possesses a valid cannabis license.

Increased Possession Limits

Marijuana cardholders have the leverage to buy larger quantities of cannabis in comparison to recreational users. This helps patients stock up on the required amount to avoid unforeseen emergencies. Each state has a different set of rules, so the amount of your purchase will depend on it.

Although there are online platforms like CannabisMD TeleMed who are readily available to help you navigate the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card. Here are a few steps that you should be aware of before beginning the process:

Determine Eligibility:

The first step in the process to get a medical marijuana card is to check the eligibility criteria. You need to have a medical condition that is recognized by the state of Virginia as treatable with medicinal cannabis. Most often people who are suffering from cancer, glaucoma, PTSD, chronic pain, epilepsy and similar ailments are prescribed medicinal cannabis. Virginia does not have a list of qualifying conditions so it is up to the healthcare practitioner to determine whether or not your condition qualifies for medical cannabis treatment.

Consult a Registered Practitioner:

Next step and the most important one is to get checked by a registered healthcare professional. During your appointment, the doctor will go through your medical condition and see whether recommending cannabis as a treatment is viable or not. Once the decision is made, you will be handed over a certificate stating the doctor has determined medical cannabis could benefit your condition. This certification is a formal document you must show to the dispensary.

Register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy:

Prior to July 1, 2021 patients needed to register with the board of pharmacy to receive their state medical cannabis card, however, this is no longer required. In Virginia a patient only needs the medical cannabis certificate issued by the doctor. This certificate arrives by email from the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority within seconds of being submitted by the doctor through the state’s secure online provider portal. This is a welcome change to medical cannabis patients because they no longer need to wait for the state to approve any application and it saves them the $50 application fee the state charged.

Visit a Licensed Dispensary:

Once you receive your medical marijuana card, visit a dispensary in Virginia that possesses a valid cannabis license. At the dispensary, you will need to present your card and the written certification from your doctor to purchase medical cannabis products. Dispensaries offer various forms of cannabis, such as oils, edibles, and flowers.

Follow Usage Guidelines:

It’s important to use medical cannabis responsibly. Follow the dosage and usage instructions your doctor and the dispensary staff provided. This ensures you use the medication safely and effectively to treat your condition. Always keep your medical marijuana card with you when carrying cannabis products.

• Qualifying Medical Conditions: Chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, and other conditions as approved by a registered practitioner.
• Residency: Must be a Virginia resident with proof (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill).
• Age Requirement: Must be 18+; minors need a registered caregiver.
• Practitioner Certification: Obtain a written certification from a registered Virginia medical marijuana practitioner.
• Substance Abuse: No current substance abuse issues.
• Criminal Background: No drug trafficking or serious criminal convictions.

Whether to get a medical marijuana card or not is a personal decision. Various factors come into play, like a user’s specific needs, benefits they can attain, drawbacks, etc. Therefore, before deciding, it’s better to consult a healthcare professional and a cannabis lawyer. They will help you understand the health and legal aspects of possessing a medical marijuana card. Remember, medical marijuana can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Choose wisely!