Medical Cannabis for Virginia Veterans

Medical Cannabis for Veterans in Virginia

Virginia is home to more than 670 thousand military veterans. To honor their service, we’ve created a dedicated program that offers discounted medical cannabis certification specifically for veterans.

Is Medical Cannabis Available for Veterans in Virginia?

Yes. Medical cannabis is legal for qualified patients in Virginia, including veterans.

Virginia's Medical Cannabis Program allows the use of cannabis products for a wide range of medical conditions, and there is no specific list of qualifying conditions. Instead, a licensed practitioner can certify a patient if they believe cannabis may help manage any diagnosed condition or symptom.

How Virginia’s Program Works for Veterans

Virginia does not issue traditional “medical marijuana cards” anymore. Instead, the process includes:

1. Schedule an appointment (veterans qualify for discounted pricing)

2. Getting certified by a registered medical cannabis practitioner.

3. Taking your certification to a licensed dispensary (no state-issued card required as of July 1, 2022).

4. Purchasing legal cannabis products in forms such as oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals.

Can VA Doctors Recommend Cannabis in Virginia?

This is one of the most common concerns among veterans, and recent legislative changes are creating a potential path forward. Here's the current situation:

• VA doctors still cannot prescribe or formally recommend medical cannabis because it remains illegal under federal law.
• However, on June 25, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a provision in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This measure would allow VA doctors to discuss medical cannabis as an alternative treatment option in states like Virginia where it is legal.
• Implementation is pending — while this is a promising development, the measure must still be signed into law and operationalized before VA physicians can formally participate in the certification process.
• In the meantime, VA physicians can talk with veterans about symptoms and treatment goals, and veterans can use VA documentation (e.g., medical records or diagnosis summaries) to support their cannabis certification through a registered Virginia practitioner.
• Importantly, your VA benefits will NOT be affected by using medical cannabis legally under Virginia state law.
• Note: VA health insurance does not cover medical cannabis or the cost of certification appointments, even if recommended informally.

Veteran Discounts for Medical Cannabis in Virginia

As a thank you for your service, some Virginia-based cannabis businesses offer:

• Discounted certification appointments for veterans
• Ongoing product discounts at dispensaries
• Veteran-only promotions on specific days or products

Subscribe to the Veteran Cannabis Deals Newsletter