If you are a Virginia resident with a qualifying diagnosis from a previous or current medical provider, you likely could qualify and benefit from medical marijuana. To become a Virginia medical cannabis program patient, you must: · Be a Virginia resident · Have a condition that may benefit from the use of cannabis products · Have a valid government-issued form of identification If you meet these qualifications, you must receive a written certification from a qualified healthcare practitioner before purchasing medical cannabis. Parents or legal guardians may be listed on a written certification for a minor or vulnerable adult to purchase medical cannabis on their behalf. A patient, parent, or legal guardian can also designate a registered agent to purchase medical cannabis on the patient’s behalf. Certifications are valid for one year unless the practitioner designates an earlier expiration.

Yes. ​ Registration is a voluntary process for patients and not necessary to obtain medical cannabis. Registration is only required for parents/legal guardians and registered agents of a patient if the practitioner did not include their name on the written certification. Up to two parents/legal guardians and one registered agent can be on a written certification. The cost for registration and annual renewal is $50 for patients and $25 for parents/legal guardians and registered agents. Allow for approximately five business days to process complete applications with payment. Registration is done through the medical cannabis portal.

Some common conditions treated with medical marijuana include but are not limited to: ​ · Chronic pain · Neuropathic pain disorders · Terminal illness · Cancer · HIV/AIDS · Anxiety · Depression · PTSD· · Severe Nausea · Epilepsy and other seizure disorders · Glaucoma · Neuropathic pain disorders · Crohn’s disease · Anorexia and bulimia · Inflammation ​ Any diagnosis that your practitioner determines could benefit from medical marijuana can qualify.

Your Virginia medical marijuana card is valid for one (1) year from the date it was issued.

Unfortunately, no. This service is self-pay and solely patient responsibility.

No, only medical providers who have registered with the state of Virginia to be able to certify patients for medical marijuana may issue written certifications.

No, the law no longer requires a patient to receive a registration card from the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA). A patient’s parent, legal guardian, or registered agent is not required to register with the CCA if the practitioner designates them as such on the written certification. If not designated on the written certification, a parent, legal guardian, or registered agent must register with the CCA to receive medical cannabis on behalf of the patient. When a practitioner completes a written certification, it generates a digital “Validation of Written Certification”. This digital validation can be printed out as needed or stored on an electronic device. Patients who choose to register with the CCA, at the cost of $50 per year, will receive a digital registered patient card in addition to their “Validation of Written Certification.”

There are several medical marijuana dispensaries located in Virginia that are available for qualified patients. Find one near you here.

Yes, other states may honor a Virginia patient registration card to purchase and consume cannabis products within their state. Each state establishes its own regulations regarding visitor purchase allowances. The best way to find out is by contacting a dispensary in the state you plan to visit.

No. There is not any current legislation in place that protects medical marijuana patients in the workplace from receiving drug screenings or disciplinary actions following the results of drug screening. We recommend you become fully aware of your employer’s policy regarding drug screenings and medical marijuana before moving forward with the process.