The Latest on Virginia’s Marijuana Laws

Virginia made national headlines by becoming the first Southern state to legalize recreational marijuana use in 2021. Yet, despite the fanfare and initial excitement, many Virginians find themselves in a state of confusion, especially regarding how they can legally obtain marijuana. Here's what you need to know about Virginia's marijuana laws today, and why obtaining a medical marijuana card is still crucial.

Legal But Unavailable

Virginia indeed legalized recreational marijuana possession and use in July 2021. Adults aged 21 and older can legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana and cultivate up to four marijuana plants per household for personal use. However, there’s a significant catch: while recreational marijuana use is legal, there is currently no legal avenue to purchase recreational marijuana anywhere in Virginia.

The legalization legislation set the framework but did not establish immediate provisions for recreational marijuana sales. Efforts to set up a regulated marketplace have repeatedly stalled due to political disagreements and legislative gridlock. This has left residents in a challenging position, marijuana is legal to possess and consume, but not legal to buy or sell recreationally.

Virginia’s Only Access Point

With no recreational dispensaries operational, medical marijuana remains the only legal pathway for Virginians to purchase marijuana products legally. To access Virginia's marijuana dispensaries, residents must have a valid medical marijuana card issued by the state.

Virginia’s medical marijuana program has steadily grown since its inception, with dispensaries offering a wide range of marijuana-based products, including edibles, tinctures, vape cartridges, and topical creams. For residents seeking relief from conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, epilepsy, and cancer-related symptoms, obtaining a medical marijuana card ensures reliable, legal access to treatment.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia

The process for acquiring a medical marijuana card in Virginia is straightforward but essential: residents must first receive a recommendation from a registered medical practitioner who believes marijuana can effectively manage their condition - that's where we come in, then apply online through the Virginia Department of Health Professions with necessary documentation, and finally await their digital medical marijuana card which typically arrives within weeks, enabling immediate access to state-licensed dispensaries.

In Virginia, a medical marijuana card provides crucial benefits including robust legal protections against repercussions related to possession within regulated limits, access to products tested for quality and safety under strict regulatory standards, and consistent availability of therapeutic products from dispensaries. 

Additionally, medical marijuana products will likely face lower taxes than future recreational products, offering significant long-term cost savings once recreational sales begin—making a medical card both a legal necessity and financially advantageous option for Virginians seeking safe access to marijuana.

Virginia's Future Marijuana Legislation

The debate over establishing a regulated recreational marijuana market in Virginia remains contentious, with lawmakers repeatedly clashing over regulatory frameworks, tax structures, and social equity provisions. Governor Glenn Youngkin has shown reservations about marijuana legislation, vetoing several bills addressing marijuana justice and sales regulations, while political divisions in Virginia's General Assembly suggest recreational dispensaries won't open soon, potentially pushing legal sales into 2027 or beyond.

Political opposition, particularly from Governor Youngkin and Republican lawmakers, has significantly impeded recreational marijuana sales legislation and proposals addressing marijuana-related social justice issues, including sentencing relief for prior convictions. Despite significant public support for legalization and sales, the political deadlock shows no immediate signs of resolution, leaving Virginians eager to legally and safely obtain marijuana best served by securing a medical marijuana card.

Summary

In the current legal landscape of Virginia, obtaining a medical marijuana card remains your only practical and legal option for accessing marijuana products. Beyond legality, the medical marijuana system in Virginia provides benefits like safety, product reliability, and cost savings once recreational dispensaries eventually become operational.

Until the political hurdles clear and Virginia successfully launches recreational marijuana sales, residents seeking relief, legality, and assurance should pursue obtaining a medical marijuana card. As legislative discussions continue to unfold, medical marijuana remains not just the right choice—but the only choice for safe and legal access in Virginia.

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 you will 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 makes 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.

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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!