Virginia’s population is a mix of pro- and anti-cannabis, making the road to legal marijuana a seemingly constant tug-of-war.
Part of the state encompasses federal grounds, where weed remains illegal.
The District of Columbia decriminalized possession of up to two ounces of cannabis for adults over 21, but marijuana continues to be a crime at the federal level.
This back-and-forth makes it challenging for cannabis consumers to know where they can and can’t buy and consume weed. But the medical marijuana market in Virginia is growing, and those people need a stronger MMJ program.
Right now, though, the whole legal marijuana scene is even more confusing since recreational weed was recently legalized.
As lawmakers and cannabis cultivators struggle to find structure in this land of confusion, licensed MMJ patients still need their medication.
If that’s you, here are the essentials you need to know to navigate Virginia’s medical cannabis laws.
1. Get Licensed
Considering how popular medicinal weed is in Virginia and around the country, you might be surprised at the state’s numbers.
As of 2023, there are only about 47,000 registered patients in the Old Dominion, which is a tiny fraction of the general population of nearly nine million.
Many people may be waiting for the recreational weed side of the law to stabilize. What they don’t realize is that medical marijuana has various benefits Adult Use weed doesn’t include.
Getting licensed gives you access to higher-quality cannabis sold at dispensaries. These products come in more strains and types than are available with recreational weed.
And when you buy medical marijuana, you’ll pay a lower excise tax than you get with Adult Use weed.
The list of approved health conditions continues to expand. Look for a licensed medical marijuana physician near you, and you may qualify for the MMJ card if you have anything from chronic pain to anxiety.
2. Prepare for the Process
Virginia’s growing MMJ market has pros and cons alongside it. The increasing demand makes it hard for the government to ignore the need for better programs.
But it also adds delays for those who need urgent medical help. The state’s medical marijuana licensing process isn’t cheap, and it’s not fast.
Insurance companies rarely cover medical cannabis. Patients must pay the doctor’s office visit and fee for a written certification.
There are out-of-pocket costs for the state’s application and processing fees. And the products in Virginia tend to be pricier than their out-of-state counterparts.
Those seeking medical marijuana cards must go through three steps:
- Getting a written certification from a registered medical marijuana practitioner,
- Registering with Virginia’s Board of Pharmacy, and
- Receiving approval from the Board.
The time between registration and approval is notoriously slow. There are less than 800 registered practitioners, but patients can benefit from telehealth appointments to see the doctor sooner.
But the Board of Pharmacy’s backlog often means over 60 days before an application is processed.
Because of the influx of applications, the Board has revamped its policies and set a goal to process all completed forms within 60 days of receiving them.
As soon as you get the go-ahead from the state, you can start shopping for medical cannabis products.
3. Understand the Types of Marijuana Open to You
Originally, the medical marijuana program only offered low-dose THC oils. Today, the product line’s expansion includes more options to cater to almost every cannabis user’s preference.
Medical marijuana card holders are permitted four ounces of flower every 30 days.
They can also choose to get their legal allotment in capsule form, tinctures, sprays, creams, lozenges, gels, and patches. Edibles are also finally offered, provided they aren’t designed to be attractive to children. Inhalation devices (vapes) are in high demand, too.
However, finding a dispensary can be challenging, and then there’s the step of tracking down one that carries your favorite products.
Before you head to a dispensary, check their website or call the store and ask if they carry what you’re looking for and if they have it in stock.
Licensed processors can open five retail dispensaries each, making it easier to find a shop near you, but as of now, there are only 11 government-approved facilities.
Some areas, like Charlottesville and Winchester, don’t have any in their radius. A quick phone call can save you from making a long drive and finding out the dispensary doesn’t have what you want.
Conclusion
Virginia’s legislation is in transition, but the goal is to forward the state’s marijuana-friendly laws.
While the legislators continue to debate ways to make this happen, you can take advantage of the growing market and ever-improving medical marijuana program.