Virginia medical marijuana card FAQ

Patients who are minors (under 18 years old) and incapacitated adults can designate a caregiver, also known as a registered agent under the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program. Incapacitated adults are individuals who, due to physical disability, intellectual disability, mental illness, or advanced age, lack the ability to make informed health decisions.

A registered agent is a person authorized to purchase or receive medical cannabis on behalf of a patient. They are designated by patients or their legal guardians to assist with obtaining, transporting, possessing, and administering medical cannabis. This ensures that patients who cannot manage their medical cannabis use independently still have safe and legal access to their prescribed treatment.

Yes, your information is kept confidential when you apply for a medical marijuana card in Virginia. Medical cannabis cardholders in Virginia are protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which ensures that personal health information cannot be disclosed without the patient’s consent.

Additionally, Virginia law (HB 1251 and SB 1557) reinforces privacy protections for registered medical cannabis patients. The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (VCCA) maintains patient records securely and does not share them with law enforcement or employers unless required by law or with the patient’s explicit authorization.

Dispensaries are also required to follow strict confidentiality rules, meaning they cannot disclose patient information to third parties. However, they must verify a patient’s written certification and government-issued ID before dispensing medical cannabis.

Patients should also be aware that federal law does not provide the same level of protection, as cannabis remains a federally illegal substance. While Virginia protects MMJ patient data, this information could still be subject to federal scrutiny under specific circumstances.

Healthcare professionals that are licensed in Virginia can provide a written certification for the use of medical cannabis. This includes physicians (MDs and DOs), physician assistants (PAs) licensed by the Board of Medicine, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are jointly licensed by the Board of Medicine and the Board of Nursing..

These medical practitioners evaluate patients to determine if they have a qualifying condition that may benefit from medical cannabis treatment. Once a written certification is issued, patients can use it to purchase medical cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries without mandatory registration with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA).

Only residents can access medical cannabis in Virginia, and a copy of your proof of residency is required when applying for a medical marijuana card.

Health insurers are not required to cover the costs of your medical cannabis in Virginia.

Medical marijuana can only be purchased from state-licensed dispensaries in Virginia. These dispensaries are authorized to sell botanical cannabis, oils, tinctures, capsules, and other approved medical cannabis products to patients with a valid written certification. To find a licensed dispensary near you, visit the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority’s official list of dispensaries organized by region: https://cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/dispensaries.

When visiting a medical marijuana dispensary, you must bring the following:

• A valid written certification from a registered Virginia healthcare provider.
• A government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID, to verify your identity.
• (Optional) A Virginia medical marijuana card if you have chosen to register with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA).

Dispensaries will verify your documents before allowing you to purchase state-approved medical cannabis products.

To apply for a medical marijuana card in Virginia, you need to first obtain a medical marijuana certification.Registering for a medical marijuana card in Virginia through the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) is optional. The cost of a medical registry identification card in Virginia is $50 for patients, while the fee for caregivers is $25 per year.

Virginia medical marijuana cards and the written certification is valid for one year from the date of issuance unless the medical practitioner designates an earlier expiration on the written certification. After one year, the patient needs to receive a new certification from the physician and renew their card.

Qualifying medical patients under 18 years old can get a Virginia medical cannabis card after receiving consent from their parents or legal guardians. Minors need to receive a medical marijuana certification from a state-licensed healthcare practitioner. The document must name their parents or legal guardians, making them their caregivers automatically. Up to two parents/legal guardians and one registered agent can be on a written certification.

To register for a Virginia medical marijuana program, you need to receive a written certification for the use of medical marijuana from a healthcare practitioner. Medical marijuana cards are optional and patients can buy cannabis with only their written certification and state-issued ID. 

After receiving your written certification, if you still want the medical (digital validation) card, you can submit your application through the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) Patient Portal and pay the $50 application fee ($25 for caregivers). Then, send copies of your documents and the written certification to the CCA by mail or email. It takes up to 30 business days for application processing. If approved, you will receive a digital medical marijuana card via email.

The documents you need to provide for a medical marijuana card application include government issued identification, proof of VA residency, and the written certification from the healthcare practitioner

Yes, you can apply for a medical marijuana card or certification online in Virginia. The state also allows physicians to use telemedicine to evaluate patients and issue medical marijuana certification.

In Virginia, caregivers—also referred to as registered agents—can purchase and transport medical cannabis on behalf of a patient. If the caregiver's name is included  on the patient’s written certification,  no additional registration is required. But if the name is not listed, registration with the CCA is compulsory. Caregivers need to pay a $25 application fee. 

Steps to register as a caregiver:

• Obtain the patient’s written certification from a qualified healthcare provider.
• Gather necessary documents, including a government-issued ID and, if applicable, proof of Virginia residency.
• Submit an application through the CCA Patient Portal and select "Registered Agent Application."
• Upload required documents and submit the $25 registration fee.
• Await approval, which may take up to 10 business days.

After submitting your application, approval typically takes 10 days. Once approved, you will receive a digital medical cannabis card from the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA). Processing times may vary, so it's best to apply in advance if you need your card by a specific date.

The information on your medical marijuana card includes your full legal name, photo of the patient, six-digit patient identification, issued data, date of birth and expiration date.

To renew your medical marijuana card in Virginia, schedule an appointment with an approved physician to get a new written certification which verifies the continued use of medical cannabis. Patients can renew their medical cannabis certification online through telemedicine consultations, where a practitioner will assess their condition and issue an updated certification if appropriate. Once renewed, the practitioner will update the Virginia Medical Cannabis Portal with the new certification details. If you choose to maintain a state-issued medical marijuana card, update your registration on the CCA portal. Along with your application, you’ll need to provide a copy of your updated written certification, proof of residency, a valid government-issued ID, and the $50 renewal fee ($25 for caregivers). The CCA typically processes renewals within approximately 5 business days. Once approved, your digital validation card will be available for download in your profile. Keep in mind that the medical cannabis card is optional, as patients can purchase cannabis using only their written certification and a valid ID.

You can renew your medical marijuana card annually. Both the card and the written certification are valid for one year from their issue dates, unless the medical practitioner specifies a shorter expiration period on the certification.

Caregivers (also known as registered agents) need to renew their card if they initially applied separately and were not listed on the patient’s written certification. The renewal process involves submitting a renewal application through the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (VCCA) portal, along with an updated copy of the patient’s written certification, proof of identity, proof of residency (if required), and a $25 renewal fee.

If a caregiver was designated directly on the patient’s written certification by the medical practitioner, they do not need to register or renew separately. However, if the caregiver’s role is not specified in the written certification, maintaining an active registration is required for them to continue purchasing or receiving medical cannabis on behalf of the patient.

Yes. Patients can renew their medical marijuana certification online through a telemedicine appointment with a licensed Virginia practitioner. If the doctor determines that continued medical cannabis use is appropriate, they will issue a new certification. Patients who choose to renew their optional digital registered patient card must also submit an updated application and renewal fee to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA).

If your written certification has expired, you cannot purchase medical cannabis until you obtain a renewed certification. However, if your certification is still valid but your optional medical marijuana card renewal is pending, you can continue purchasing cannabis with your valid written certification and government-issued ID.

No, you do not need to see the same doctor for your renewal. You can choose any licensed Virginia healthcare provider who is authorized to issue medical cannabis certifications. If switching providers, ensure your new doctor has access to your medical history to facilitate a smooth renewal process.

Weed is legal for recreational and medical use in Virginia. Patients who qualify can receive a medical marijuana card, while adults can also purchase recreational cannabis.

Individuals who are 21 years old or more can grow up to four cannabis plants for personal use and per household. You must grow cannabis away from the public eye.

For medical marijuana, you can only pay a 5.3% sales tax. But recreational users also have to pay a 21% excise tax along with the sales tax.

The federal government views marijuana as illegal and the Virginia state has no specific law stopping MMJ cardholders from possessing firearms, making the situation complicated. But individuals with medical marijuana cards cannot own guns under federal law. The ATF will always ask if the gun purchaser is an unlawful marijuana user before providing a firearm license. Virginia MMJ cardholders who tick no are guilty of perjury.

It is illegal for anyone to smoke or consume marijuana in public in Virginia, even if you have a medical marijuana card. Virginia law defines a public place as any location where the public has access, including but not limited to streets, sidewalks, parks, restaurants, and retail stores. Additionally, it is unlawful to offer it to someone else, whether they accept it or not. Violating these laws can result in legal consequences, so it’s important to consume medical cannabis only in private settings.

Using medical marijuana is not a reason for labor discrimination and employees are protected from discrimination and termination. But employers don’t have to commit an act that will cause them to be in violation of federal law.

You cannot use an out-of-state medical cannabis card while in Virginia as it does not support a reciprocity program. This means that even if you have a valid medical marijuana card from another state, you cannot legally purchase medical cannabis from Virginia dispensaries. To access medical cannabis in Virginia, you must obtain a written certification from a Virginia-licensed healthcare practitioner.