Virginia Medical Marijuana Caregiver Information

What Is a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Virginia?

Medical marijuana caregivers, better known in Virginia as Registered Agents, are persons registered with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) who have been designated by patients to assist in obtaining and administering medical marijuana. Minors and incapacitated adult patients who qualify to use medical marijuana in Virginia may designate registered agents to help them with medical marijuana use. An incapacitated adult, pursuant to Section 18.2-369 of the Virginia code, is any individual aged 18 or older who is impaired by mental illness, intellectual disability, physical disability, or advanced age and who lacks sufficient understanding and capacity to make reasonable health decisions.

A caregiver can be a patient's family member, friend, spouse, or nurse. An individual may serve as a caregiver for up to two registered patients per time in Virginia.

How to Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Virginia

If you have consented to help a qualified patient with medical marijuana use in Virginia, you may be required to register with the Cannabis Control Authority. Registered agents named on the written certifications of the patients designating them are not required to register with the CCA. For those not named, registration with the CCA is compulsory. To get assistance and detailed instructions about enrolling in the Virginia medical cannabis program, agents/caregivers can contact the Cannabis Control Authority by email at medicalcannabis@cca.virginia.gov or phone at (804) 873 5865. To register with the CCA, caregivers must pay a $25 registration fee. The annual cost of renewing this registration is also $25.

How to Find a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Virginia

Patients appoint medical marijuana caregivers in Virginia. The Commonwealth of Virginia does not assign or designate caregivers for qualifying patients. Typically, minors must designate their parents or legal guardians as caregivers. Adult patients may designate spouses, family members, or friends as caregivers. It is recommended that the caregiver designated be familiar with the patient's medical condition and be trustworthy. Caregivers can hold and transport medical marijuana products for their patients within Virginia.

How Much Marijuana Can a Caregiver Have in Virginia?

A caregiver may possess up to 4 ounces of botanical cannabis per 30 days to be dispensed to a patient. The possession limit for cannabis products for caregivers is a 90-day supply for their patients. Such products may contain a minimum of 5 mg of CBD or THC-A per dose and up to 10 mg of THC.

How Many Marijuana Plants Can a Caregiver Have in Virginia?

Pursuant to the 2021 Cannabis Control Act, Virginias aged 21 or older can grow up to four marijuana plants per household for personal use. However, there are no clear statutes within the Act addressing grow permissions and limits for medical marijuana caregivers.