Virginia has a unique relationship with marijuana laws, as it stands in a somewhat limbo state between full legalization and limited access. While both recreational and medical marijuana are technically legal in Virginia, there’s currently no way to legally purchase recreational marijuana.
Instead, medical marijuana remains the only reliable avenue to obtain marijuana legally through state-regulated dispensaries. Here, we’ll break down Virginia’s marijuana laws, the current state of the recreational market, and why medical marijuana is the right choice for now.
The Legal Status of Marijuana in Virginia
Marijuana was legalized in Virginia in 2021 under the Cannabis Control Act, making it one of the first southern states to allow legal use. Adults aged 21 and over can legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use. Despite the legalization, there are significant caveats to keep in mind.
Currently, the state allows individuals to:
Possess up to one ounce of marijuana on their person.
Grow up to four plants per household for personal use.
Share marijuana with others, provided no money is exchanged.
One critical gap in the law is that while possession and growing are legal, there’s no established legal market for purchasing recreational marijuana. As it stands, the only way to legally access marijuana in Virginia is either through home cultivation, being “gifted” marijuana, or through the medical marijuana program.
No Legal Market for Recreational Marijuana Until at Least 2027
One of the most frustrating aspects for marijuana advocates in Virginia is the lack of a legal recreational market. While legalization happened in 2021, the establishment of recreational dispensaries was delayed by the state legislature. Under current law, recreational dispensaries won’t be open until at least 2027, leaving recreational users with few options.
Attempts to accelerate the launch of a commercial marijuana market have been met with opposition. Notably, a recent bill that would have allowed for the creation of a retail market was vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
This veto has left residents without a legal avenue to purchase recreational marijuana, meaning anyone looking to acquire marijuana must either grow their own or rely on non-regulated sources. This situation highlights the importance of the medical marijuana program, which remains the only legal way to access marijuana through dispensaries in the state.
The Medical Marijuana Program in Virginia
Given the delays in the recreational market, the medical marijuana program in Virginia is the most viable option for those who want to access marijuana legally. Medical marijuana has been available in Virginia since 2020, following improvements to a previously limited program. Unlike the recreational side, medical marijuana patients have access to state-licensed dispensaries, which provide a range of marijuana products, including flower, oils, and edibles.
For those in Virginia, obtaining a medical marijuana card offers several distinct advantages:
Legal Access to Marijuana: Medical marijuana patients can legally purchase marijuana from licensed dispensaries. This is the only legal way to access marijuana in the state until recreational sales begin in 2027.
Higher Possession Limits: While recreational users are limited to one ounce of marijuana on their person, medical marijuana patients are allowed a 90-day supply, with specific limits varying depending on the patient’s needs.
Safe and Regulated Products: Medical marijuana dispensaries in Virginia are state-regulated, ensuring that patients receive safe, lab-tested products. This provides peace of mind compared to purchasing marijuana from unregulated sources.
Penalties for Illegal Possession
While marijuana is legal in Virginia, there are penalties for possessing amounts exceeding the legal limits. For non-medical users, possession of more than one ounce but less than four ounces is considered a civil violation, punishable by a fine of up to $25. Possession of over four ounces can lead to misdemeanor charges, and if you’re caught with over a pound, it is considered a felony, which can result in serious legal consequences, including jail time.
Medical marijuana patients are protected from these penalties as long as they remain within the legal possession limits outlined by their certification.
Why Medical Marijuana Is the Right Choice
In the current legal landscape of Virginia, medical marijuana is the best and only legal choice for individuals seeking marijuana. The benefits of having a medical marijuana card include access to licensed dispensaries, higher possession limits, and assurance that the products you’re consuming are safe and compliant with state regulations.
Additionally, for those dealing with medical conditions, medical marijuana offers a tailored solution with specific formulations and products designed to manage pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and other health concerns. Since recreational dispensaries won’t be available until 2027 at the earliest, medical marijuana patients enjoy the exclusive privilege of legal access to marijuana in the meantime.
While marijuana is technically legal in Virginia, the lack of a recreational market leaves residents in a confusing state of affairs. Adults can possess, grow, and share marijuana, but purchasing it remains a challenge without a medical marijuana card.
As the state continues to delay the opening of recreational dispensaries, obtaining a medical marijuana card remains the only legal and practical solution for accessing marijuana in Virginia. By joining the state’s medical program, patients can benefit from a regulated and safe supply of marijuana while waiting for the recreational market to finally come to fruition.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today
Lucky for you, medical marijuana is already available in Virginia! You can get your medical marijuana card and access dispensaries today if you have a qualifying condition.
Recreational marijuana is legal in Virginia, but it does not mean much since there are no recreational dispensaries to purchase products from.
There are also countless benefits to having your medical card in a recreational state! You will save money on taxes and marijuana products and enjoy higher possession and purchase limits if you have your medical card in Virginia!
In order to qualify for your medical marijuana card, you will need to have a condition that would make you eligible. If you aren’t sure if you would qualify, give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have about the process.
If you don’t already have your card, no worries. We can help! If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you would qualify for your medical card in the State of Virginia. With telemedicine, it is now easier than ever to get your medical card from the comfort of your own home!
In Virginia, any inhibiting condition could qualify you for your medical card. If you don’t already have it, we can help! Schedule an evaluation online today and we’ll make an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness
safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on
education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by
providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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