State Jurisdiction: (DHP Virginia) Virginia Department of Health Professions – Board of Pharmacy 

Address: Virginia Board of Pharmacy, Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233

Fax: (804) 527-4472

Email: cbd@dhp.virginia.gov

Website: Virginia Board of Pharmacy (DHP Virginia)

Getting your Medical MJ Card in Virginia (VA)

Qualifying for medical mj in Virginia requires that patients get a VA medical mj card first. The process is very simple, far from what most people think. To begin, patients must book an appointment with a registered Virginia medical mj doctor and get certified. Next, certified patients should create an account with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy Web Portal (DHP Virginia). Then, complete the registration process. Finally, patients should scan and send the required documents to the Board of Pharmacy’s email. It’s that simple.

All patients should keep in mind the following basic requirements:

  • Only residents of Virginia qualify for the state medical mj program.
  • Only Board-registered medical mj doctors in VA can provide valid written mj recommendations.
  • The minimum age requirement for medical mj is eighteen (18) years old.
  • Yet, minor patients may qualify if their parent or legal guardian applies on their behalf.
  • Patients must pay a non-refundable $50 application fee, and parents or legal guardians applying for minor patients must pay a $25 fee.

A Brief History of the VA Medical MJ Program 

Virginia’s legislative history with medical mj started back in 1979 with the Code of Virginia. The Code protected patients with a valid mj prescription from a doctor to treat glaucoma or the side effects of chemotherapy. Nowadays, doctors can’t prescribe medical mj, instead, they can recommend it to their patients. You can read more about the difference between a mj prescription and a recommendation, and how to get one.

Fast forward to 2018 with the passing of HB 1251. This law allowed practitioners to issue written certifications for the use of Cannabidiol (CBD) oil or THC-A oil for the treatment or to ease symptoms of any condition the practitioner determined would benefit from such use.

In 2019, SB 1557 expanded further on the Code of Virginia. As a result, nurse practitioners and physician assistants could now also issue written certifications for patients to use mj extracts. Additionally, this legislation specified that each dose could contain a maximum of 10 milligrams of THC.

Booking your Online Medical MJ Evaluation

Did you know that patients in Virginia can get a valid mj recommendation online in just a few minutes? 

How? The first step is booking an appointment with a Board-registered medical mj doctor in VA. Afterward, at your appointment time, attend your online mj evaluation. The online mj evaluation is a 10-minute appointment that takes place on a video call. We conduct our telemedicine appointments through Doxy, a secure and user-friendly telemedicine platform. During the mj evaluation, you and your doctor will discuss whether medical mj would be the best option for you.

If your VA medical mj doctor approves your medical mj use, expect your written certification within minutes after the conclusion of your appointment.

Requirements & Patient Eligibility

Patients in Virginia suffering from any medical condition may qualify for medical mj. But, only if the recommending doctor determines that mj use may ease their condition or symptoms. Go here to get familiar with the requirements for medical mj in Virginia.

Virginia Medical MJ Laws

Patients with a VA medical mj card have the added benefit of legal protection when in possession of medical mj besides enjoying the healing properties of the mj they can access. Still, patients may find their registration to the Virginia medical mj program revoked if they break the Virginia mj laws. So what are patients not allowed?

  • The Board of Pharmacy may revoke a patient’s registration if a committee establishes evidence that the patient provided incorrect or misleading information during the registration process.
  • Patients, parents, or legal guardians CANNOT let another person use their registration. Moreover, tampering or modifying the registration may also lead to the cancellation of the VA medical mj card.
  • Patients CANNOT acquire more than a 90 day supply of medical mj oil within 90 days.
  • The Board of Pharmacy may suspend a patient’s, parent’s, or legal guardian’s VA medical card if they fail to report its theft, loss, or damage within five days of becoming aware of the incident.

VA medical cardholders should be vigilant and understand the Virginia medical mj laws. This way, they can stay on the safe side of the law and understand the penalties that await lawbreakers.

Virginia Medical MJ (MMJ) Card

Learn all you need to know about what it means to be a medical mj patient in Virginia. 

Check out how to get a MMJ card in Virginia for extensive information on obtaining a med card, renewing it, as well as any other questions and curiosities you might have.

Medical Dispensaries in Virginia (VA)

Patients can get their medical mj from four operational medical mj dispensaries in Virginia. Also known as pharmaceutical processor dispensaries. They include:

  1. gLeaf Medical in Richmond, VA.
  2. BEYOND / HELLO Manassas MJ Dispensary in Bristow, VA.
  3. Dharma Pharmaceuticals MJ Dispensary in Washington County, VA.
  4. Columbia Care Portsmouth Dispensary in Portsmouth, VA.