A Brief Overview of Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is the use of the cannabis plant or its derivatives, including cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and other cannabinoids, for medical purposes. Medical marijuana is used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and nausea.
Medical marijuana is legal in many states, although it is still illegal at the federal level. In states where medical marijuana is legal, patients must obtain a medical marijuana card in order to legally purchase and use medical marijuana.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Virginia?
As of July 1, 2021, medical marijuana is legal in Virginia. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy is responsible for regulating the use of medical marijuana in the state.
Who Qualifies for Medical Marijuana in Virginia?
In order to qualify for medical marijuana in Virginia, patients must have a qualifying medical condition. Qualifying medical conditions include:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
- PTSD
- Any condition that is severe and resistant to conventional treatment
In addition, patients must have a recommendation from a licensed healthcare practitioner who is registered with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
How to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia
In order to obtain a medical marijuana card in Virginia, patients must follow these steps:
-
Talk to your healthcare practitioner. Your healthcare practitioner must be registered with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and must recommend medical marijuana as a treatment for your qualifying medical condition. Your healthcare practitioner will fill out a certification form, which you will need to submit when you apply for your medical marijuana card.
-
Apply for a medical marijuana card. You can apply for a medical marijuana card online through the Virginia Department of Health Professions. You will need to provide your certification form, a copy of your ID, and proof of residency in Virginia.
-
Pay the application fee. The application fee for a medical marijuana card in Virginia is $50. You can pay the fee online when you apply for your card.
-
Wait for your card to be approved. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your medical marijuana card in the mail. Your card will be valid for one year.
Where to Buy Medical Marijuana in Virginia
As of July 1, 2021, medical marijuana dispensaries are not yet open in Virginia. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy is currently in the process of selecting the companies that will be licensed to grow and sell medical marijuana in the state.
Once medical marijuana dispensaries are open in Virginia, patients will be able to purchase medical marijuana products, including flower, edibles, and tinctures, from licensed dispensaries. Patients will be required to show their medical marijuana card in order to purchase products from a dispensary.
Conclusion
Obtaining a medical marijuana card in Virginia can be a complicated process, but it is necessary in order to legally purchase and use medical marijuana. Patients must have a qualifying medical condition and a recommendation from a licensed healthcare practitioner in order to obtain a medical marijuana card. Once medical marijuana dispensaries are open in Virginia, patients will be able to purchase medical marijuana products from licensed dispensaries with their medical marijuana card.
