What are the Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Virginia in 2025? Are There Any Consequences?

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Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Virginia?

Yes, medical marijuana is legal in Virginia as of 2020. The legal status of cannabis in Virginia is interesting. It’s somewhat complex and this post will outline what’s legal and illegal so you can understand your rights. Also, how to acquire your medical marijuana recommendation in Virginia.

In 2017, Virginia legalized cannabidiol (CBD) and THC-A oil for epilepsy. In 2018, this law was significantly expanded by HB 1251, which allowed any medical condition to qualify. Further improvements were made in 2019 and 2020, making Virginia the 34th state with a comprehensive medical cannabis law.

In 2021, Virginia’s General Assembly passed legislation adding whole-plant, “botanical” cannabis to the program and established the tax rates and logistics of the program with HB 2218 and SB 1333 respectively.

The state of recreational cannabis is also confusing. Cannabis possession has been decriminalized making it technically legal. However, there is no legal way to purchase cannabis unless you are a medical marijuana patient.

Are there any issues with getting your medical marijuana card in Virginia?

What are the consequences of getting a medical card in Virginia?

There are potential consequences to getting your medical marijuana card in Virginia. The state has established some laws protecting medical marijuana patients.

Employers are allowed to enforce their own drug testing policies and establish drug-free or zero-tolerance workplace policies. However, Virginia has set a cap for the results of a drug test that can be actionable. Basically, if you have a higher amount of cannabis in a drug test you could potentially face issues with employment.

Employers cannot discharge you for the use of cannabis alone. However, they can restrict your use of cannabis at their business and the use of your medicine during work hours if it impairs your work.

Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations for the United States Department of Transportation designates the rules for drug testing for transportation workers which remain in place for medical marijuana patients. Additionally, government jobs are also subject to drug testing which can be violated by medical marijuana use considering cannabis is federally illegal. The Schedule I status of cannabis means even legal use of cannabis would violate federal law.

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) considers a user of cannabis, even if it’s legal or medical, to be an unlawful user of firearms. This means shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing firearms or ammunition while having a medical marijuana card would violate federal law. Spouses of medical marijuana card holders can possess firearms but if a cardholder were to use it that would also violate the law.

It’s important to consider these factors when deciding to get your medical marijuana card in Virginia. Additionally, Virginia marijuana laws might be subject to change as recreational cannabis slowly becomes legal. Additionally, the DEA is considering rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III which could shift some of these laws a bit but that still could take time.

Virginia Medical Card Requirements & Limitations:

There are strict requirements governing the medical marijuana program in Virginia.

The requirements for a medical marijuana card in Virginia assert you must:

• Be a Virginia resident
• Have a condition that may benefit from the use of cannabis products
• Have a valid government-issued form of identification

There are possession limits for medical marijuana patients. They include:

• A limit for cannabis flower (a.k.a. botanical cannabis) of up to 4 ounces per 30 days.
• The limit for cannabis products is a 90-day supply. By law, these products may contain up to 10 mg of THC per single dose. These include inhalable, edible, and topical preparations of cannabis.

What are the Virginia Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions in 2024?

Many states have decided at the state level which medical diagnoses qualify for a cannabis prescription. However, some states like Virginia have put that at the discretion of your physician.

According to Virginia medical marijuana law, any diagnosed condition or disease determined by the practitioner to benefit from the use of cannabis allows for a medical marijuana recommendation.

So how do you get your medical marijuana card in Virginia?

How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia in 3 Easy Steps

Now that you understand the qualifying conditions, how do you find a doctor? Green Health Docs makes the process very simple to get or renew your medical marijuana card in Virginia. Here are the 3 steps to simply get your Virginia medical marijuana recommendation.

1. Book an Appointment

Schedule by filling out the form on this page or call/text us at 240-356-1000 to set-up your consultation over the phone. You can schedule same-day appointments, so you can be seen by a doctor within 15 minutes of scheduling!

2. Talk to a Doctor

Your doctor will determine if you qualify for a Virginia medical marijuana card after a quick 10-15 minute evaluation. You’ll find out if you’re approved during your consultation.

3. Get Your Card

If approved, you’ll get a written or digital recommendation via the state’s online portal. You can use your recommendation to purchase medical marijuana at your local dispensary.

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Virginia Medical Marijuanas Card Qualifications FAQs

Here is a collection of common questions regarding Virginia’s marijuana laws, the regulations of medical cannabis, and how to qualify for your medical marijuana card in Virginia.

Can You Buy Marijuana In Virginia Without A Medical Card?

You cannot currently purchase marijuana without a medical marijuana card. Virginia has decriminalized small amounts of cannabis but has not established the framework for legal recreational sales.

You’ll need to obtain your medical marijuana card in order to legally purchase cannabis in the state.

Can I Buy Edibles In Virginia Without A Medical Card?

Edibles are exclusively available to certified medical marijuana patients. You’ll need to be approved by a state-licensed physician to purchase edibles in Virginia.

Is Recreational Marijuana Legal In Virginia?

Recreational cannabis is legal to a certain extent in that marijuana has been decriminalized. Adults can possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use. People are also allowed to grow up to 4 cannabis plants. However, the legal framework for cannabis sales is not open to the public just yet.

This creates a legal gray area where cannabis is legal to possess but there are no legal ways to get it.

When Will Virginia Recreational Dispensaries Open?

House Bill 698 and Senate Bill 448 established a legal framework to allow recreational sales to begin May 1, 2025. However, both were vetoed by the governor.

A legal framework must be established for issuing licenses to dispensaries and establishing the

Here is a helpful list of medical marijuana dispensaries.

Final Thoughts

Getting legal cannabis in Virginia can be simple thanks to Green Health Docs. While recreational cannabis is semi-legal, the only way to obtain cannabis in Virginia is with a recommendation for your doctor.

Also, the law does protect medical marijuana patients’ employment and that may be something you want to consider. After all, it’s within your right to get medical marijuana to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, or chronic pain so why not exercise your right?

How to Get a Virginia Medical Marijuana Card

If you’re interested in obtaining a Virginia medical marijuana card, Green Health Docs can help. Visit our Virginia med card page to get more information and to schedule an online telemedicine appointment with a doctor. You’ll just need to have a medical condition that could benefit from the use of medical marijuana and a valid photo ID to get started. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule your VA medical card appointment over the phone, give us a call or text 7 days per week at 240-356-1000.

This article is reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician. He is also the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.