Did Virginia legalize medical cannabis? Are dispensaries open in Virginia? How many medical cannabis dispensaries are there in Virginia?
In this article, we cover Virginia medical cannabis frequently asked questions to keep you updated on what’s happening with the introduction of the Virginia legalization bill.
Did Virginia legalize medical cannabis?
Virginia legalized medical marijuana on July 1, 2020. This was when the state decided to have a state program that would offer explicit statutory legal protection for those authorized to possess medical cannabis products.
Are dispensaries open in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia’s medical marijuana dispensaries are open – but there are some things patients should know about medical cannabis in Virginia.
At this point, just four licensed dispensaries are open. These include Dharma Pharmaceuticals in Bristol, Beyond-Hello in Manassas, Columbia Care in Portsmouth, and gLeaf in Richmond. One license, the one MedMen Enterprises received, is now vacant after the multi-state company was forced to give up its permit.
Virginia medical marijuana dispensary menus are still not readily available online. But we hope they will be soon!
How many medical cannabis dispensaries are there in Virginia?
Virginia approved its regulatory program in 2017. This was for the in-state production of extraction-based medical cannabis products from five providers. Each of these providers was to grow, extract, dispense, and deliver cannabis products for one Health Service Area (HSA).
The term used for these licensed cannabis providers in Virginia is “pharmaceutical processors” in Code. However, they’re actually vertically-integrated cannabis companies that handle all aspects – growing, extracting, dispensing, and delivering – on site independently.
Furthermore, in 2020, Virginia implemented legislation to allow these licensed processors to open five more “cannabis dispensing facilities,” also known as “dispensaries,” in their HSA.
What should I bring to the dispensary?
If you’ve never been to a dispensary before, you’re probably wondering, “What should I bring?” All patients must have a valid, government-issued ID, their MMJ card issued by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, and a printed copy of their current written certification. Be warned; the dispensary is under no obligation to accept it if the certificate is expired.
On a side note, patients and registered agents are the only people allowed in the dispensaries. If you have children, a spouse, or an aid, they’ll not be permitted inside unless they’ve registered in advance.
How much medical cannabis can I get in Virginia?
Virginia’s medical cannabis laws permit a “90-day supply.” Your pharmacist will consult you to determine how much medical cannabis you’ll need for 90 days. Important note: if you’re taking antibiotics and use medical cannabis, it could be
How do I register for a medical cannabis card in Virginia? This is also known as an MMJ card in Virginia.
Registering for an MMJ card in Virginia is a relatively straightforward process we make even easier. Our doctors consult and review your medical information. Then, we’ll issue your medical cannabis certification. We’ll also guide you through Virginia’s registration process.
For more information, feel free to contact us at any time.
Are there any cannabis practitioners in Virginia who will make recommendations?
Yes, at CannabisRxHealth, our cannabis practitioners in Virginia are ready to make recommendations. Contact us now for more information.
Can my doctor recommend medical cannabis for me?
If your doctor is a registered practitioner, he or she can issue the required written certification. However, if you speak with your doctor and they don’t know about Virginia’s medical cannabis program, we’re ready to help.
Contact us now for more information. Our practitioners are already registered with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and ready to make recommendations today.
How much does it cost to register for an MMJ card in Virginia?
For patients, it costs $50 to register for an MMJ card in Virginia. If you’re a parent, legal guardian, or registered agent acting on behalf of a patient, it costs $25 to register.
What documentation is required to register for an MMJ card in Virginia?
Knowing which documentation is required to register for a medical marijuana card in Virginia is half the battle! Make sure you have these documents on-hand when you 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 (if applicable)
- Proof of Parent/Guardian Identity (if applicable)
- Proof of Parent/Guardian Age (if applicable)
How do I contact the Board of Pharmacy in Virginia?
Email: pharmbd@dhp.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 367-4444
Fax: (804) 527-4472
Address:
Virginia Board of Pharmacy
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive
Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233-1463
Where are the pharmaceutical processors located in Virginia?
HSA I
HSA I was the license that MedMen Enterprises was planning to use. However, since the company was forced to give up its license after Virginia regulators voted to rescind it, a new Request for Applications process was implemented to accept new applications through 12/04/2020. We’re still waiting to see who will take over the conditional license.
HSA II Dalitso, LLC
Beyond / Hello is Dailitso, LLC’s trade name. This medical cannabis pharmaceutical processor based in Northern Virginia (Manassas) was given conditional approval from the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. The LLC is majority-owned by Jushi Holdings, Inc. “Jushi” is based in the U.S. and operates cannabis businesses throughout multiple states. The company focuses on creating an integrated community of wellness, connections, and mindfulness by providing high-quality cannabis- and hemp-derived products.
HSA III Dharma Pharmaceuticals
Based in Bristol, Virginia, Dharma Pharmaceuticals is locally-owned and committed to Virginia’s patients. The company provides high-quality medical cannabis products to Virginians interested in exploring their treatment options.
HSA IV Green Leaf Medical of Virginia, LLC
Green Leaf Medical of Virginia, LLC focuses on offering patients safe and effective pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis products. The company operates cannabis businesses in other states, as well. These states include Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. However, in Virginia, Green Leaf partners with local business owners and collaborates with medical researchers and physicians to provide excellent patient-centered care.
HSA V Columbia Care
Columbia Care’s goal is to provide patient-centered healthcare through its medical cannabis offerings. The company gathers insight from professionals spanning across medicine, finance, healthcare, operations, and law fields to elevate its own medical cannabis space operations.
Is an MMJ card in Virginia only for oils?
According to SB1557, “any formulation” of cannabis can be dispensed. Thus, patients can find other preparations, including capsule, tincture, spray, lozenge, troche, suppository, inhalation, lollipop, patch, gel, and cream products.
Is an MMJ card in Virginia only for CBD or low-THC preparations?
Medical marijuana products in Virginia can contain as much as 10mg of THC per dose. The term “dose” describes one unit – for example, a single capsule or a dropper-full. However, the term “dosage” is the total amount one takes each time they administer the medication – for instance, two sprays four times daily. Virginia has not implemented limits on medical cannabis dosage.
Does Virginia’s medical marijuana program allow flower distribution?
Unfortunately, cannabis flower is not allowed under Virginia’s medical marijuana program. However, the products permitted under this program include extraction-based preparations.
Does Virginia’s medical marijuana program allow edibles?
Yes, cannabis-infused edible products are available.
Do Virginia doctors write prescriptions for medical cannabis products?
While doctors in Virginia can recommend cannabis, they cannabis prescribe it. However, Virginia practitioners can issue written certifications.
Are Virginia’s medical cannabis products psychoactive?
Yes, since Virginia’s medical cannabis products can include THC, they can be psychoactive. This means that the products can impact the brain.
However, some products solely contain cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD, while non-intoxicating, is also psychoactive as it’s commonly used as an anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant.
If preparations contain more THC, the product might be intoxicating too.
Can I buy CBD in Virginia?
All organic cannabinoids are viewed as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. This means the DEA, Congress, the FDA, and NIDA all hold a position against CBD. The DEA has also reaffirmed its position on CBD to The Cannabist.
CBD oil is available online. Isn’t it already legal in all 50 states?
While available online, CBD sold via the Internet does not have to adhere to any safety, consistency, quality, or labeling standards. With this being the case, if you decide to buy CBD online, beware of the risks!
Can I buy medical cannabis in another state?
Like most MMJ holders in Virginia considering taking a trip, you’re probably wondering, “Can I buy medical cannabis in another state?” The answer depends on the state.
Some states provide reciprocity that will permit you to buy your medicine to use while you’re visiting. But make sure you call the dispensary you’ll visit before you arrive. Even as such, federal law prohibits patients from transporting cannabis products across state or territory lines.
If I get an MMJ card in Virginia, do I have to give up my firearms?
The short answer is “no.” But there’s a longer answer to the question, “Can medical cannabis patients own guns?” Check out our post covering the topic to learn more about the law and how it relates to medical cannabis and firearms.
Have more questions? Feel free to contact us for more information on how you can get your MMJ card in Virginia and what it entails.
