Fully Legal Medical Cannabis Laws in Virginia (VA)
- Law allows for the possession of CBD oil and THCA oil and affirmative defense for those with a medical cannabis certificate from a Board of Pharmacy-licensed physician.
- In September 2018, the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy approved the applications for five companies to open medical cannabis dispensaries across the Commonwealth.
- Those with a valid certificate are protected from arrest by the state.
Telehealth for Cannabis in Virginia
Telehealth is legal for medical cannabis consultations in Virginia. You can see a compassionate and friendly medical marijuana physician online with Leafwell today.
Recreational Cannabis Laws in Virginia
2021 – Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed into law House Bill No. 2312 and Senate Bill No. 1406, moving the date of recreational marijuana legalization in Virginia up to July 1, 2021.
Legislation permits the recreational use of marijuana by adults who are at least 21 years old, allows for wholesale and retail sale of marijuana, and allows home cultivation and personal use of marijuana (up to four plants for personal use).
Benefits of having a Medical Marijuana Card in a Recreational State
- Recreational users will not be able to legally purchase cannabis until 2024.
- There will be a 21% excise tax on recreational cannabis, and none on medical cannabis.
- Governor Northam recently signed a bill that makes it illegal for most Virginia businesses (with some exceptions) to take adverse actions against employees who test positive for THC during a routine drug screening if they have a Virginia medical marijuana card.
- Higher-quality cannabis.
- Higher possession limits.
- Minimum age of 18 rather than 21.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis Patients in Virginia
- AIDS/HIV
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain that does not respond to traditional treatments, or where opioids may be used.
- Crohn’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – moderate to severe
- Technically, a physician may be able to recommend cannabis for any condition they deem suitable. They will, however, need to explain their decision.
Cannabis Laws and Children in Virginia
You must be at least 18 years of age in order to apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia. Caregivers must also be 18 years of age. The parent/guardian residing at the same address as the patient should first submit the patient registration application. The parent/guardian residing at the same address as the patient should submit the parent/guardian application.Any other parent/guardian who has also been issued a written certification and in need of obtaining board registration should submit the parent/guardian application to the board.
Cannabis Possession Limits in Virginia
- For medical card holders = Patients may receive up to a 90-day supply per visit to a dispensary. Products, as defined under the law, must contain per dose a minimum of 5 mg of CBD or THC-A and may contain up to 10 mg of THC. The specified possession limit for botanical cannabis allows for up to 4 ounces per 30 days to be dispensed to a patient.
- For recreational users = As of July 1, it will be legal for adults 21 or older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana. Retail sales are expected to begin in 2024.
Cannabis Cultivation Laws in Virginia
Both medical and recreational cannabis users will be legally allowed to grow up to four plants. Each plant must include a tag with the grower’s name, driver’s license or ID number, and a note that it is only for personal use.
Cannabis and Gun Laws in Virginia
It is not legal to possess a firearm and a medical marijuana recommendation at the same time in Virginia.
Cannabis and Employment Law in Virginia
Those with a medical marijuana card have some employment protections. Governor Northam signed a bill that makes it illegal for most Virginia businesses to take adverse actions against employees who test positive for THC during a routine drug screening, as long as they have a Virginia medical marijuana card. Only medical patients are protected by this ruling.
Local Cannabis Laws in Virginia
Although there are no laws specifying cannabis legality by county, city or municipality in Virginia, but counties and cities do have the power to prohibit medical or recreational cannabi businesses from operating.