Did Virginia legalize medical cannabis?
Yes, on 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 dispensaries open in Virginia?
Yes, please visit Virginia Medical Cannabis Dispensaries for more information.
How many medical cannabis dispensaries are there in Virginia?
In 2017, Virginia approved a regulatory program for the in-state production of extraction-based medical cannabis products by five pharmaceutical processors.
What should I bring to the dispensary?
Patients must bring a valid, government-issued ID, their medical cannabis card issued by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, and a printed copy of their unexpired written certification.
Only patients and registered agents may enter the dispensary.
How much medical cannabis can I get?
A "90-day supply." This is ultimately determined by the pharmacist in consultation with the patient.
How do I register for a medical cannabis card in Virginia?
Please visit How to Register for more information.
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?
Only registered practitioners may issue the required written certification. Talk to your doctor and ask if they know about the medical cannabis program. Share with them Emerging Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, A Review of Recent Scientific Literature. Ask them to register with the Board of Pharmacy.
How much does it cost to register?
The fee is $50 for patients; $25 for parent/legal guardian or registered agent.
What documentation is required to register?
Completed Certification from a registered practitioner
Proof of Patient’s Residency
Proof of Patient’s Identity
Proof of the Patient’s Age
Proof of Parent/Guardian Residency
Proof of Parent/Guardian Identity
Proof of Parent/Guardian Age
How do I contact Board of Pharmacy?
Email pharmbd@dhp.virginia.gov Phone: (804) 367-4444 Fax (804) 527-4472 Virginia Board of Pharmacy Perimeter Center 9960 Mayland Drive Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233-1463
Is this only for oils?
No, SB1557 clarifies that "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.
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 times per day.
Is the flower allowed?
No, products allowed under the program are limited to extraction-based preparations.
Are edibles allowed?
Yes, edible products will be in forms such as lozenges, gelatin cubes, and lollipops.
Will doctors write prescriptions for medical cannabis?
No, doctors in the US cannot “prescribe" medical cannabis, but they can recommend it. Virginia practitioner's ​issue is written certifications​, not prescriptions.
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 higher amounts of THC may be intoxicating to some users.
Isn’t CBD already legal in all 50 states?
No, cannabidiol (CBD), like all organic cannabinoids, is considered by DEA, Congress, FDA, and NIDA to be a schedule I controlled substance under federal law. The DEA recently reaffirmed its position here.
Remember, make good choices.
Don't consume your cannabis medicine in public.
Don't take it out of your home unless absolutely necessary.
Keep your patient registration card with your cannabis medicine at all times.
If you must travel with your cannabis medicine, place it in a locked container in your trunk.
Don't drive impaired. Ever.
Don't post on social media about your cannabis medicine.
If you have more questions, contact Virginia NORML at 804-464-7050 Monday through Friday from 9AM to 6PM.
content adapted from https://www.vanorml.org/faqs
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