Consequences of getting a medical card in Virginia 

There are pros and cons of obtaining a medical marijuana card in Virginia. Although it provides access to cannabis under legal laws and can protect the use of cannabis under state laws, it also has its consequences, including gun control, employment barriers, and usage restrictions. These factors should be known to the patients before application.

How to Get a Medical Card in Virginia?

1. Complete Patient Questionnaire Form

Book a consultation with a certified doctor prescribing medical marijuana in Virginia through MMJ Medics. Upon registering, we will enquire about your medical condition. This will not take long at all. Then we will put you immediately into our network of medical marijuana card doctors in Virginia. You can easily schedule an appointment time that best fits you by clicking on your MMJ Medics patient dashboard.

2. Video Conference with Our Virginia Physician

We offer low-cost online video consultations. There are no face-to-face appointments needed, and the appointment typically takes a very brief 15 minutes. Through your video session, you will talk to our doctor about your medical condition, and the doctor will explain to you the risks and benefits of using cannabis.

3. Get Your Virginia Medical Marijuana Card

We will email you your signed medical marijuana certification as a PDF, assuming that you are approved. Now you can apply to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy to get your VA medical card. After you have received confirmation, your Virginia Medical Marijuana Card will be mailed.

Eligibility Requirements for Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia

To receive a medical marijuana card in Virginia, you need to:

1. Be a Resident: You shall be a permanent or interim resident of Virginia
2. Be at least 18 Years Old: Underage individuals may qualify by registering as a caregiver to a parent or legal guardian
3. Have a Qualifying Condition: You need to have a medical condition that can be improved with cannabis products
4. Get a Written Certification: The use of medical cannabis has to be certified by a licensed medical practitioner

Consequences of Getting a Medical Card in Virginia

There are many advantages to obtaining a medical card, but it also has certain disadvantages. Some of the implications of obtaining a medical card in Virginia are as follows:

1. Buying or Owning a Gun May Be Illegal

Purchasing or owning a gun may prove difficult with a medical card in Virginia. In buying a gun through a licensed dealer, you are required to fill out a form wherein they inquire whether you use drugs such as cannabis. Under federal law, marijuana is illegal. And so, you can not say no to that question if you have a medical card. The same is true of obtaining a concealed carry permit.

2. Employment Risks

Consuming marijuana can put your job at risk. Yes, cannabis patients have access to labor and employment laws. Nonetheless, these protections may not be extended to the workers in safety-sensitive jobs. Moreover, some employers are not supposed to hire or keep you when you test positive to THC in excess of the established limits- regardless of having a medical card.

3. Treatment of Medical Marijuana Is Costly

The price of medical marijuana can be expensive. The annual state fee on the medical card in Virginia is $50, but registration is optional. Nevertheless, to purchase cannabis, you have to be certified. In addition, medical marijuana is typically costly in Virginia.

4. Travel Restrictions

Having a medical marijuana card in Virginia does not mean that you can travel freely with cannabis. Marijuana is illegal to transport across state lines, even for medical purposes. Many may attempt to purchase cannabis in neighboring states, but transportation back here is illegal.

5. Housing Restrictions

Although Virginia legalized medical marijuana, it remains illegal under federal law. Renters should ensure that there is no prohibition on cannabis in their lease. Breaking the contract may mean eviction. In addition, federal housing residents may lose their right to consume or hold cannabis. Even when medical reasons are taken into account, the Department of Housing and Urban Development does not permit cannabis in federally assisted housing.

Conclusion

Getting a medical marijuana card in Virginia has obvious benefits, including the ability to purchase cannabis for treatment and protection under state law. However, it also carries with it several consequences which patients must be aware of, such as limitations on firearms, possible employment issues, travel restrictions, housing arrangements, and treatment expenses. You must understand the benefits and responsibilities of holding a medical card before applying, to enable patients to make informed decisions for their health and legal responsibilities.

FAQ

1. Who is eligible for a medical marijuana card in Virginia?

You must be a resident of the state of Virginia, have a qualifying medical condition, be over the age of 18 (or have a licensed caregiver if under the age of 18), and be certified by a licensed practitioner.

2. Can I Travel with Cannabis Using my Virginia Medical Card?

No. It is against the law to transport cannabis between states or consume it in public places. It is also illegal to fly with cannabis, and driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal.

3. Is it acceptable to have a medical card for work?

It might. While some employers may be protected by state law, in some cases, employers have drug-free policies and may take action against you if you test positive for THC, particularly in safety-sensitive positions.

4. Is there housing discrimination for medical marijuana patients?

Yes. Cannabis is still illegal at the federal level. Tenant rights: Renters should review their lease agreements, and renters of federally assisted housing may be prohibited from having or using cannabis, even for medical purposes.

5. Is there any limit to the amount of medical marijuana I could have in Virginia?

Yes. The Virginia law also establishes maximum limits on how much a medical cannabis patient can legally have at a particular time. Any violation of these possession limits by having a medical card may result in legal penalties.

Dr. Rachel Bennett

Dr. Rachel Bennett combines osteopathic principles and knowledge of medical cannabis to provide holistic, whole-person care. She has particular expertise in symptom management for chronic pain, nausea, and epilepsy. Dr. Bennett’s emphasis is first on learning about each patient’s past health history and lifestyle to better provide personalized cannabis treatment plans. With her as a guide, patients feel enabled, educated, and engaged throughout the entire process of care.