Are you considering getting an medical marijuana card for Virginia? You’ve come to the right spot. We hope that this article will be an informative guide that will assist you in understanding how to apply to get your MMJ Card. This information is kept up-to-date to ensure that it is correct and makes the process as easy as it can be. Read on to learn more.
Getting a Virginia Medical Marijuana Card Online
Virginia now has a Medical Cannabis Program with some functionality! There has been an increase in the acceptance of medical cannabis qualifications since the Coronavirus epidemic. Telehealth verbal recommendations have been made to preserve social distancing and allow for access to medical marijuana for those who need it. A possession of less than a half-ounce of cannabis will no longer be illegal and it will be considered personal use.
Virginia doesn’t have a program to legalize medical marijuana. Instead, they offer Affirmative Defense which allows certain individuals to possess certain cannabis oils with the consent of a Virginia doctor. A doctor’s certificate is not sufficient to be eligible for Affirmative Defense. You must register with the Board of Pharmacy. Although legalizing all cannabis in Virginia is possible, it may take time. Virginia could soon have a full-fledged program for medical marijuana.
Due to legal concerns, many doctors in Virginia hesitate to recommend cannabis. My MMJ Doctor makes it easy to find a Virginia-licensed physician.
What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Cards in Virginia?
There aren’t any ailments that “qualify” to be eligible for Affirmative defense in Virginia. It is entirely dependent on the physician whether or not they wish to allow patients to use cannabis. However only a handful of doctors in Virginia are willing to take part within Affirmative Defense. Affirmative defense program probably because of the lack of incentives which exists for their behalf.
A doctor can recommend medical cannabis for any medical condition they believe to be appropriate. Conditions that might qualify as medically qualified within Virginia comprise cancer MS (MS), blood pressure and the moderate or severe form of post-traumatic stress (PTSD) chronic pain that doesn’t respond to standard treatment, and in cases where opioids could prescribe, Crohn’s disease epilepsy AIDS as well as HIV.
If you take the proper dose of medical marijuana many patients suffering of these ailments find their lives changed. Medical marijuana can give people the energy and ability to have fun, so get outdoors in the fresh air and live a an enjoyable, healthy and joyful life in the gorgeous Virginia outdoors. Our belief is in the potency medicinal marijuana can alter lives and empower individuals to manage their own health ailments. Our doctors are licensed as well, which is why they collaborate together with MY MMJ Doctor and work with as many patients as they can to obtain medical marijuana cards when they, according to experts, believe that cannabis can assist in the treatment of medical conditions.
Does Virginia Have Medical Marijuana Reciprocity?
Here is a brief history of marijuana and medical marijuana laws in Virginia:
- 1979 – legislation permitted doctors to recommend cannabis for the side effects of chemotherapy or glaucoma is passed
- 2015 – possession of CBD oil or THC-A oil entails an affirmative defense for patients who were able to present a doctor’s recommendation (certification) for the use of cannabis to treat severe epilepsy
- 2015 – the Courts of Justice committee rejected bills to decriminalize cannabis and remove the ‘smoke a joint, lose your license’ provision
- 2017 – Virginia approved a regulatory program for in-state production of medical cannabis oils by five providers (one per Health Service Area [HSA]), These providers can grow, extract, dispense and deliver medical cannabis oils. The code refers to licensed providers as “pharmaceutical processors”. They are vertically-integrated dispensaries. Patients and caregivers may now register with the program and the facilities are expected to be opened in mid 2020 although the coronavirus may delay this slightly. The providers are:
- HSA I Medman
- HSA II Dalitso LLC
- HSA III Dharma Pharmaceuticals
- HSA IV Green Leaf Medical of Virginia LLC
- HSA V Columbia Care
- 2018 – Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation on March 9, 2018, to expand Virginia’s medical cannabis oil program from the single qualifying condition of intractable epilepsy to any diagnosed condition. The new law took effect that same day.
- 2020 – Governor Ralph Northam approved a bill decriminalizing simple marijuana possession. If approved by the General Assembly, this law will take effect on July 1st. This happened after Democrats won control of both houses in the states and Attorney General Mark Herring called for cannabis to be legalized.
- July 1st, 2022 – the requirement to register with the state is removed, making the program more accessible and access faster
At the time of publication, cannabis is illegal in Virginia for all purposes. Possession is a criminal misdemeanor. However, possession of less than one-half ounce carries the presumption of personal use. Check back regularly to stay up to date on the latest laws.
We recommend you carry your digital card or written certification with you at all times to effectively use the affirmative defense.
What Does my Online Medical Marijuana Evaluation
An online medical marijuana assessment using MY MMJ Doctor is quick and simple. In order to start we’ll ask you to supply us with specific details. You’ll be able to upload your medical records. All of these are passed on onto one of our licensed practitioners who will be able to review the application prior to your appointment.
The process itself is straightforward and secure. It takes place via our customized Telemedicine platform. The consultation will be with an Virginia certified physician with expertise in granting medicinal marijuana for patients suffering from different medical conditions. The doctor will discuss to you about the reasons you’re applying, and ask questions regarding your medical history and medical conditions.
After the session the doctor who is registered will be able to make an informed choice regarding whether or not he/she would recommend the use of medical cannabis based on the medical data they’ve obtained. If the application is successful then the practitioner who is registered will sign the certificate and the certificate will be delivered to you electronically – you are able to use this information to buy your medicinal cannabis items.
Consultation with one of the Virginia Registered Practitioners through My MMJ Doctor HIPAA certified Online consultation services is offered for a once-off cost of $149. If, however, you don’t qualify with the MMJ Card when our physician chooses not to endorse the certificate, you won’t be assessed a fee. The renewal of your certificate with My MMJ Doctor costs $149.
After receiving your certificate, you are able to use it to buy medical cannabis in VA.
Cannabis is currently illegal in the United States and therefore the cost for a physician’s appointment and application isn’t paid for by health insurance. Also, it is not paid for by Medicare or Medicaid. Instead, every patient will have to pay for all costs on their own.