YES. As of 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. Further, as of July 1st 2021 it is legal to possess and use Marijuana even if you don’t have a medical card (recreational).
While medicinal and recreational marajuana (THC containing products) are legal in Virginia, recreational sales will not commence until July 1st 2024. Virginia residents with medicinal marijuana cards can purchase these products NOW from the increasing number of dispensaries near you. Further, starting in September 2021, card holders will be able to purchase flower (bud) from these dispensaries a full 3 years before the general public can purchase recreational marijuana. Finally, even when recreational sales begin in 2024, holding a medical card will reduce the price since it is considered a medication rather than a recreational product.
As of February 2021, four dispensaries are open. This follows Virginia approved a regulatory program, in 2017, for the in-state production of medical cannabis products by five providers, initially, one per Health Service Area (HSA), who will grow, extract, dispense and deliver the products.
Licensed providers are called “pharmaceutical processors” in Code, and are simply vertically-integrated cannabis companies, meaning everything from growth through dispensation is done on one site by one company.
In 2020 Virginia legislation now allows the licensed processors to open an additional five “cannabis dispensing facilities” (dispensaries) in their Health Service Area.
You must bring a valid, government issued ID and a printed or electronic copy of your unexpired written certification. The dispensary will accept my recommendation on your phone or tablet and will keep track of your anniversary as will I. If you recently moved to Virginia you can use your out of state ID provided you also bring proof of Virginia residence like a lease, mortgage, or utility bill.
Only patients and registered agents (caregivers) may enter the dispensary. No children, spouses, or aids are permitted unless they are also registered.
You are permitted a 90 day supply. This is determined by the pharmacist in consultation with you.
Only if they are a registered practitioner like Dr. Weiss MD.
The initial consultation with Dr. Weiss costs $125 with yearly renewal visits costing $75. There are no longer Virginia government registration fees! If you are a veteran, ask Dr. Weiss about his discount for those who have served!
NO, You can expect to see preparations like capsules, sprays, tinctures, oils, creams, gels, lozenges, patches, troches, suppositories, lollipops, gummies, candies, chocolate, and inhalation products, including flower/buds, vape cartridges and even pre-rolled joints. They also sell paraphernalia for vaping/smoking etc.
No, the products may contain up to 10 mg THC per dose. “Dose” means a single unit, like one capsule or one square of chocolate etc. Dosage, which is individualized, is the total amount taken each time, for example 1 spray 3 times per day. There are no limits on dosage.
Legislation that took effect July 1, 2021 allows for the dispensing of botanical medical cannabis in all it’s forms.
Yes.
No, doctors in the US cannot prescribe medical cannabis, but doctors such as Dr. Weiss can recommend it. Virginia practitioners issue written recommendations, not prescriptions.
As of July 1st 2021, limited employment protections for registered medical cannabis patients.
§ 40.1-27.4. Discipline for employee’s medicinal use of cannabis oil prohibited.
A. As used in this section, “cannabis oil” means the same as that term is defined in § 54.1-3408.3.
B. No employer shall discharge, discipline, or discriminate against an employee for such employee’s lawful use of cannabis oil pursuant to a valid written certification issued by a practitioner for the treatment or to eliminate the symptoms of the employee’s diagnosed condition or disease pursuant to § 54.1-3408.3.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B, nothing in this section shall (i) restrict an employer’s ability to take any adverse employment action for any work impairment caused by the use of cannabis oil or to prohibit possession during work hours, (ii) require an employer to commit any act that would cause the employer to be in violation of federal law or that would result in the loss of a federal contract or federal funding, or (iii) require any defense industrial base sector employer or prospective employer, as defined by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, to hire or retain any applicant or employee who tests positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in excess of 50 ng/ml for a urine test or 10 pg/mg for a hair test.
Yes. The word 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.
Not exactly, cannabidiol (CBD), like all organic cannabinoids, is considered by DEA, Congress, FDA, and NIDA to be a schedule I controlled substance under federal law. However, CBD schedule restrictions are not enforced due to medicinal qualities.
These products are not required to meet any safety, quality, consistency, or labeling standards. You should do your research and only buy from a reputable supplier.
It is possible. Some states that offer reciprocity might allow you to purchase medicine for use while in that state. You should call the dispensary you plan to visit for an answer to that question. Remember though, it remains illegal under federal law to transport any cannabis product across any state/territory line.
Update:
As of February 2021, Washington DC allows reciprocity to Virginia registered patients.
As for now, no state is engaged in the sharing of data related to state-sanctioned activities of medical cannabis patients. So, unless a person responds “yes” to the question regarding their marijuana use on the NICS background check, the federal government has no real way to enforce this outdated law.
The consensus is that the conclusion reached by the ATF and Justices of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is based on a broad interpretation of a 1968 federal law forbidding the sale of firearms to those considered an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.
Also, since the passage of the Rohrabacher-Farr Act, the DOJ cannot use federal funds to prosecute medical cannabis patients who are engaged in state-sanctioned activity.
While dispensaries are scheduled to sell recreational marijuana after July 1st 2024, the state of Virginia plans on taxing the recreational products an additional 21% on top of VA sales tax! If you have a medical certification it will be treated as a medication and you will save $$$$$$Thousands$$$$$$ of dollars per year compared to the renewal fee of $75. Further, many businesses require a doctors recommendation to allow employees to use cannabis especially if drug testing is employed in your company. It is safer and cheaper to keep your certification ongoing!
