Whether you live in Virginia or elsewhere in the United States, it’s important to understand the laws affecting medical marijuana use. It’s legal to use marijuana if it’s prescribed for you by your doctor, and there are ways to get a VA prescription for marijuana.
Conditions to be Eligible for VA Prescription for Marijuana?
Using marijuana is legal in several states, including Virginia. Those with qualifying conditions can obtain a VA prescription for marijuana to purchase cannabis for medicinal purposes. Patients must first be diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions. These include severe or persistent muscle spasms, chronic pain, cancer, seizures, and glaucoma. Their physician must also approve them.
Depending on the state, there may be additional requirements. For example, a patient in Maryland must be registered with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission. This is an agency of the Maryland Department of Health. In addition, a licensed healthcare professional must be registered with the Board of Medicine to issue a medical marijuana certification.
If the condition is not on the official list, the Medical Advisory Board can recommend adding a qualifying condition. Applicants for a medical marijuana card will need to provide their doctor’s certification of the condition, a detailed medical history, and a photo ID.
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Virginia
Purchasing medical marijuana from Virginia dispensaries is legal if you have a doctor’s recommendation. Before purchasing a product from a dispensary, you must register with the state’s Board of Pharmacy. Afterward, you will be able to purchase products.
The Board of Pharmacy is tasked with overseeing the medical cannabis program in Virginia. Each physician participating in the program can issue a certificate of use for THCA products. They can also issue certificates for CBD. Licensed patients can purchase regulated products from five dispensary-style pharmacies. These products include pre-rolls, vapes, tinctures, flowers, and concentrates. They can also be purchased online.
In order to be eligible for medical marijuana, a person must be a resident of Virginia and have a qualifying condition. Some common conditions that may benefit from medical marijuana treatment are multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, epilepsy, and cancer.
Federal Law Classifies Marijuana as a Schedule One Controlled Substance
Despite the increasing number of states that have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, federal law classifies it as a Schedule One Controlled Substance. The current list of controlled substances is found in section 1308 of 21 CFR Part 1300. The final rules for the federal scheduling system were published after the Controlled Substances Act was signed into law.
The classification of drugs is based on their potential for abuse. Marijuana, for example, is considered to have a big potential for abuse and is ranked as a Schedule I drug. This ranking is used to control the production and distribution of the substance.
Cost of Obtaining a VA Prescription for Marijuana
Obtaining a VA prescription for marijuana is relatively simple. However, the process has improved dramatically in the past year. The new law also has created stronger protections for patients. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy runs the program. The Board reviews applications and issues an official medical card. The card is valid for one year. The registered patient can purchase up to four ounces of botanical cannabis every 30 days.
In order to qualify for the card, the applicant must be a resident of the state. This can be verified by a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or a Virginia ID card. The IDPH will review the applicant’s medical records from a VA facility over the last 12 months to confirm that the applicant has a qualifying medical condition.
