Did Virginia legalize medical cannabis?
Yes, July 1, 2020, possession of authorized medical cannabis products by those registered to participate in the state's program are provided explicit statutory legal protection.
Are medical cannabis dispensaries open in Virginia?
Yes, medical cannabis dispensaries are open in Virginia.
In 2017, Virginia approved a regulatory program for the in-state production of medical cannabis products by five providers, initially, one per Health Service Area (HSA), who will grow, extract, dispense and deliver the products. These licensed providers are called “pharmaceutical processors” in Code, and are simply vertically-integrated cannabis companies, meaning everything from growth through dispensation is done on one site by one company.
Additionally, 2020 legislation allows the licensed processors to open an additional five "cannabis dispensing facilities" (dispensaries) in their Health Service Area.
What should I bring to the dispensary?
Please pre-register with the dispensaries at which you plan to shop to reduce patient wait times. Patients must bring a valid, government issued ID and a printed copy of their unexpired written certification. Registration cards are no longer required.
Are patients sill required to register with the Board of Pharmacy?
No, pursuant to HB 933/SB 671, patient registration is no longer be required as of July 1, 2022. Once a patient receives their written certification from a registered practitioner, they will be able to shop at Virginia dispensaries.
Patients still have the option to register and request a digital card.
How much medical cannabis can I get?
A "90-day supply." This is ultimately determined by the pharmacist in consultation with the patient.
4 ounces of botanical cannabis (flower) per 30 days.
Is there a list of practitioners who will make recommendations?
Yes, please visit Find a Practitioner for more information on finding a registered practitioner.
Can my doctor make a recommendation for me?
Yes, any MD, DO, NP, or PA licensed to practice medicine in Virginia may issue the required written certification. To access the written certification form, practitioners must create an account to log into the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority's medical cannabis portal.
Talk to your doctor and ask if they know about the medical cannabis program. Share the with them Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Review of Recent Scientific Literature.
How much does it cost to register?
Fee is $50 for patients; $25 for registered agents.
What documentation is required to register?
- Completed Certification from a registered practitioner
- Proof of Patient’s Residency
- Proof of Patient’s Identity
- Proof of Patient’s Age
- Proof of Parent/Guardian Residency
- Proof of Parent/Guardian Identity
- Proof of Parent/Guardian Age
How do I contact Virginia Cannabis Control Authority?
[email protected]
333 E Franklin St
Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23219
Where are the dispensaries located?
Virginia Medical Cannabis Dispensaries
Is this only for oils?
No, "any formulation" may be dispensed. Patients can expect to see preparations like capsules, sprays, tinctures, oils, creams, gels, lozenges, patches, troches, suppositories, lollipops, and inhalation products. Legislation effective July 1, 2021 allows the dispensing of botanical medical cannabis.
Is it only CBD or low-THC preparations?
No, the products may contain up to 10 mg THC per dose. “Dose" means a single unit, like one capsule or one dropperful. “Dosage" is the total amount taken each time, for example 2 sprays 4 time per day.
Is flower allowed?
Yes, patients may purchase up to 4 ounces of botanical cannabis (flower) per 30 days.
Are edibles allowed?
Yes, edible products are available.
Will doctors write prescriptions for medical cannabis?
No, doctors in the US cannot “prescribe" medical cannabis, but they can recommend it. Virginia practitioners issue written certifications, not prescriptions.
Can I be fired for using medical cannabis?
Limited employment protections for registered medical cannabis patients took effect July 1, 2021.
§ 40.1-27.4. Discipline for employee's medicinal use of cannabis oil prohibited.
A. As used in this section, "cannabis oil" means the same as that term is defined in § 54.1-3408.3.
B. No employer shall discharge, discipline, or discriminate against an employee for such employee's lawful use of cannabis oil pursuant to a valid written certification issued by a practitioner for the treatment or to eliminate the symptoms of the employee's diagnosed condition or disease pursuant to § 54.1-3408.3.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B, nothing in this section shall (i) restrict an employer's ability to take any adverse employment action for any work impairment caused by the use of cannabis oil or to prohibit possession during work hours, (ii) require an employer to commit any act that would cause the employer to be in violation of federal law or that would result in the loss of a federal contract or federal funding, or (iii) require any defense industrial base sector employer or prospective employer, as defined by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, to hire or retain any applicant or employee who tests positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in excess of 50 ng/ml for a urine test or 10 pg/mg for a hair test.
Are the products psychoactive?
Yes, psychoactive means to affect the brain. Psychoactive does not explicitly mean intoxicating, psychotropic or hallucinogenic.
Cannabidiol is psychoactive. If CBD were not psychoactive, it would not be an anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, or antidepressant. It is accurate to instead say CBD products are non-intoxicating.
Preparations that contain THC may be intoxicating to some users.
What about "dispensaries" that aren't listed on your site or the state's website?
Only these dispensaries are actual medical cannabis dispensaries. Any other business claiming to be a Virginia dispensary is not licensed to operate as such in the Commonwealth, and are not required to meet the same safety, quality, consistency, or labeling standards. Buyer beware!
Can I get medical cannabis at a medical dispensary in another state?
Maybe. States that offer reciprocity might allow you to purchase medicine for use while in that state. Calling the dispensary you plan to visit is the best way to answer that question. However, it remains illegal under federal law to transport any cannabis product across any state/territory line.
In DC, Virginia patients may present a valid Virginia-issued registration or an expired Virginia-issued registration with a Virginia healthcare provider-issued recommendation dated within one calendar year of the purchase date effective July 1, 2022.
Do I have to give up my legally obtained firearms?
The consensus at NORML is that the conclusion reached by the ATF and Justices of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is based on a broad interpretation of a 1968 federal law forbidding the sale of firearms to those considered an "unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance." At this point in time, no state is engaged in the sharing of data related to state-sanctioned activities of medical cannabis patients. So, unless a person responds "yes" to the question regarding their marijuana use on the NICS background check, the federal government has no real way to enforce this outdated law. Furthermore, since the passage of Rohrabacher-Farr, the DOJ cannot use federal funds to prosecute medical cannabis patients who are engaged in state-sanctioned activity.
Remember, make good choices.
- Don't consume your cannabis medicine in public.
- If you must travel with your cannabis medicine, place it in a locked container in your trunk.
- Keep medical cannabis properly secured and out of reach by children and pets.
- Don't drive impaired. Ever.
I have more questions!
Great! We’re here to help. Feel free to contact Virginia NORML at 804-464-7050 Monday through Friday from 9AM to 6PM.