Medical marijuana has become increasingly accepted across the United States, and Virginia is no exception. Since July 2021, patients in Virginia have been able to access medical marijuana products without needing a registration card from the state, though having a recommendation from a healthcare provider is still required. If you are considering medical marijuana as a treatment option, here’s how you can get a medical marijuana card in Virginia.
1. Determine Your Eligibility
The first step to getting a medical marijuana recommendation in Virginia is to confirm that you have a qualifying medical condition. Virginia does not have a specific list of qualifying conditions. Instead, it allows any licensed healthcare provider to recommend medical marijuana if they believe it is in the patient’s best interest. Some common conditions that may be considered include:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Crohn’s disease
If you suffer from a condition that a doctor believes would benefit from the use of medical marijuana, you can move forward with the process.
2. Schedule a Consultation with a Registered Healthcare Provider
In Virginia, only certain healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, can issue a medical marijuana recommendation. It’s important to find a provider who is registered with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and certified to provide such recommendations.
Many people choose to schedule an appointment with a cannabis-focused medical clinic, either in-person or online, to ensure that the healthcare provider is well-versed in cannabis treatments.
3. Obtain a Written Certification
During your consultation, your healthcare provider will evaluate your condition and medical history to determine if medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment. If they decide it is, they will issue you a written certification, which serves as the legal document authorizing you to use medical cannabis.
4. (Optional) Register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy
While a state registration card is no longer required to purchase medical marijuana, some patients prefer to register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy to have a formal card. If you’d like to get one, here’s how to do it:
- Visit the Virginia Board of Pharmacy website and navigate to the medical cannabis registration section.
- Complete the online application form and pay the $50 registration fee.
- Submit a copy of your written certification and proof of residency (such as a Virginia ID or utility bill).
- The board will review your application, and once approved, you’ll receive your medical marijuana card in the mail.
5. Visit a Licensed Dispensary
With your written certification or registration card, you can now visit one of Virginia’s licensed dispensaries to purchase medical marijuana. These dispensaries, known as Pharmaceutical Processors, are located across the state and offer a variety of cannabis products, including oils, edibles, capsules, and topicals.
6. Renew Your Certification Annually
Your medical marijuana certification in Virginia is valid for one year. To continue accessing cannabis products, you’ll need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider and renew your certification annually.
Getting a medical marijuana recommendation in Virginia is a straightforward process that begins with identifying your medical condition and consulting with Natural Green Healing can help you. While registering with the state is no longer mandatory, having a medical marijuana card can still be a useful option for those who prefer formal documentation. Once certified, you can purchase your medical marijuana products from licensed dispensaries, helping you manage your health and improve your quality of life.