How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia

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Virginia Medical Marijuana Card Renewal >

What is an MMJ Card in Virginia?

In Virginia, a medical marijuana (MMJ) card is a patient identification card awarded by the State's Board of Pharmacy to any resident who registers as a medical marijuana patient. On July 1, 2022, Virginia House Bill HB933 removed the requirement for a medical marijuana card for any patient, parent, or legal guardian in the state. While anyone can still get a physical medical marijuana card in Virginia, this document is optional and not required to purchase cannabis from medical marijuana dispensaries in the state. Virginia only requires a Written Certification for the Use of Medical Cannabis issued by a medical practitioner in order to purchase and possess medical cannabis.

Who Can Apply for an MMJ Card in Virginia?

Virginia issues medical marijuana cards to any adult resident aged 21 years or older as long as their physicians issues them a written certification for the use of medical cannabis. Minors and vulnerable adults are required to name their legal guardians or parents, on their written certifications, as caregivers. These caregivers can then request MMJ cards if they wish.

All applicants must be residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia. They will be required to provide proof of residency. Each application for a Virginia medical marijuana card must also be accompanied by a written certification from a state-licensed physician that confirms the applicant has a medical condition that will benefit from medical marijuana use.

Can a Minor Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia?

Minors in Virginia are not allowed to directly obtain MMJ cards. Rather, they must designate caregivers or registered agents to help pick up or receive their medical cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries. Caregivers can also help minors to purchase and administer medical marijuana. These caregivers are usually the minors’ parents or legal guardians. Minors are still required to obtain Written Certifications for the Use of Medical Cannabis from their physicians. These documents must name their parents or legal guardians.

What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Cards in Virginia?

Virginia state residents diagnosed with one or more these medical conditions are qualified for an MMJ card:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Cachexia and wasting syndrome.
• Cancer
• Crohn's disease
• Chronic pain
• Epilepsy
• Seizures
• Fibromyalgia
• Glaucoma
• Huntington's disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson's disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sickle cell anemia
• Tourette's syndrome

How Do I Apply for an MMJ Card in Virginia in 2023?

In Virginia, a medical marijuana card is optional and no longer required to access medical cannabis legally in the state. Qualifying medical cannabis patients, and their parents or legal guardians acting as caregivers, can still register with the Board of Pharmacy to receive this optional card if they so wish. To obtain this card, start by registering on the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program portal. Next, make an appointment with an approved health practitioner to obtain a Written Certification for the Use of Medical Cannabis. Those eligible to issue this written certification in Virginia include practitioners of medicine or osteopathy, or physician assistants, licensed by the Board of Medicine; or nurse practitioners jointly licensed by the Board of Medicine and the Board of Nursing.

The practitioner would submit this written certification to the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program. Subsequently, the applicant will receive an email to access their digital medical cannabis card. This digital card validates the certification and both documents are linked together. You may present this digital card along with a government-issued ID at a dispensary to purchase medical cannabis. When the dispensary scans the card, they will be able to access the written certification linked to it. You may print the digital card if you so wish.

How Does a Primary Caregiver Get a Virginia MMIC?

A medical marijuana card is also optional for caregivers in Virginia. However, those who wish to obtain this card may register with the Board of Pharmacy. The steps to receive a caregiver medical marijuana card in the state are the same as described above for patients. The parent or legal guardian, acting as a caregiver, of a minor must accompany them to their consultation with the practitioner providing a Written Certification for the Use of Medical Cannabis. The caregiver must be named on this document in order to request and obtain a digital card from the Board of Pharmacy.

How long does it take to get a Virginia MMIC?

With the shift to an optional digital MMIC, Virginia issues its medical marijuana card as soon as patients submit their Written Certification for the Use of Medical Cannabis. This digital card is immediately available on their profiles.

Getting a Virginia Medical Marijuana Card Online

The process for getting a Virginia medical marijuana card online is described above. It requires registering on the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program portal and visiting an approved health practitioner for a Written Certification for the Use of Medical Cannabis. The practitioner submits a copy of this certification to the portal, prompting an email sent to the applicant to access their digital MMJ card.

How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost in Virginia?

In Virginia, medical marijuana patient applications cost $50, while caregivers pay $25 in application fee. The fee to obtain a Written Certification for the Use of Medical Cannabis varies depending on the practice visited.

How Do I Renew My Medical Marijuana Card?

Renewal of Virginia medical marijuana cards are made annually through the state's Department of Health Professions online licensing portal. Caregivers pay $25 for renewal while patients pay $50.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in Virginia?

Documents needed to apply for a medical cannabis card in Virginian includes:

• A Written Certification for the Use of Medical Cannabis
• A government-issued ID such as a State ID or driver’s license

Are My Details Kept Confidential When I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia?

Yes, the health insurance portability and accountability act (HIPAA) protects specific health information of an individual from disclosure without their consent by "covered entries" which includes dispensaries. Health information includes identifiers such as names and addresses of patients.

What Information Appears On A Virginia Medical Marijuana Card?

Patients information that appears of a Virginia medical marijuana card includes the following:

• The full legal name of the medical marijuana patient
• Photo of the medical marijuana patient
• A six-digit patient identification
• The date the card was issued
• Patient's date of birth
• The card's expiration date

Can Someone Track Me Down Through The Virginia Registry?

No, this depends on whether the registry is HIPAA compliant or not. Virginians should note, registries that contain patient records such as dispensaries and other healthcare providers are protected under HIPAA, as "covered entries" hence, these registries can not be used in tracking patients down.