Virginia Medical Cannabis Card – Fast Online Certification | Medical Card Exam™

(Updated January 2024)

1. 1. Introduction: Virginia Medical Cannabis Card – Fast Online Certification | Medical Card Exam™

Virginia — The Old Dominion — is steeped in American history as the first English colony and home to key events shaping the nation. Today, over a third of Virginians live in the bustling southeastern corridor near Washington, D.C., with Virginia Beach being the largest city.

Virginia made history in April 2021 as the first Southern state to legalize adult-use cannabis. The legislation emphasized social equity, public health, and safety, laying out a three-year plan to begin regulated recreational sales.

While personal possession and home cultivation are legal for adults 21+, recreational retail sales have not yet started as of 2024.

1. 2. Quick Facts – Virginia Medical Cannabis Card – Fast Online Certification | Medical Card Exam™

1. 3. Legalization Timeline

• • 1619 – Virginia law requires all farmers to grow hemp
  • 1979 – Medical cannabis permitted for cancer & glaucoma
  • 2015 – CBD & THCA oil legalized for epilepsy (HB 1445 / SB 1235)
  • 2019 – THC limit for medical products increased to 10 mg per dose
  • 2020 – Decriminalization (HB 972): $25 civil fine for ≤1 oz possession
  • 2021 – HB 2312 & SB 1406 legalize adult-use possession and home cultivation
  • 2024 – Adult-use retail sales still pending; medical program fully operational

1. 4. Possession & Purchase Rules

Adults 21+ (Recreational):

• • Public possession: Up to 1 oz (28 g)
  • Home possession: Up to 4 oz
  • Home cultivation: Up to 4 plants per household
    • Must be tagged with name, ID number, and statement of personal use
    • Not visible to the public
    • No homemade concentrates without a license

Medical Patients:

• • Flower: Up to 4 oz every 30 days
  • Other products: 90-day supply as determined by consulting pharmacist
  • May purchase from 5 state-licensed processors/dispensaries

1. 5. Taxes & Revenue Allocation

• • Recreational (when sales begin):
    • 21% state excise tax
    • 5.3% state sales tax
    • Up to 3% local tax
  • Medical: Tax-exempt

Distribution of Recreational Tax Revenue (projected):

• • 40% – Pre-K programs for at-risk children
  • 30% – Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund
  • 25% – Substance use disorder prevention/treatment
  • 5% – Public health initiatives

1. 6. Medical Cannabis Program

• • Qualifying Conditions: Any condition a registered practitioner deems could benefit from cannabis use
  • Forms Allowed: Inhalable, edible, topical, and botanical cannabis
  • THC Limit: Up to 10 mg per single dose for medical products

1. 7. Licensed Dispensaries (Medical)

• • Health Service Area II: Dalitso / BEYOND / HELLO – Pickup & Delivery
  • Health Service Area III: RISE Cannabis – Pickup
  • Health Service Area IV: Green Leaf Medical & Cannabist (Carytown) – Pickup & Delivery
  • Health Service Area V: Cannabist – Pickup

1. 8. Caregivers (Registered Agents)

• • Must be registered with the Board of Pharmacy
  • Can assist a patient or a minor/incapacitated adult with medical cannabis needs
  • Only one caregiver per patient

1. 9. Reciprocity

• • Virginia does not accept out-of-state medical cannabis cards

1. 10. Consumption Rules

✅ Allowed:

• • Private residences (with owner’s permission)

❌ Prohibited:

• • Public spaces
  • Motor vehicles (driver or passenger)

1. 11. Transportation Rules

• • Must be in a closed container in the trunk or original sealed packaging
  • Open container laws apply to cannabis

1. 12. Enforcement Considerations

• • Possession of >1 oz but <4 oz in public: $25 civil fine
  • Larger amounts: misdemeanor or felony charges possible
  • Unauthorized sales or unlicensed manufacturing are criminal offenses

1. 13. Resources & References

• • Virginia Cannabis Control Authority: cannabis.virginia.gov
  • NORML – Virginia: norml.org/laws/virginia