As of July 1, 2021 Virginia took steps to expand cannabis legalization and use by adults over the age of 21 in Virginia. This also meant expansions in the state’s medical cannabis program and changes for patients and providers.
There are also changes surrounding the state’s medical cannabis program. This is as a result of HB 1988 and SB 1333, which can be found at https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/.
Botanical cannabis will be available for dispensing from a pharmaceutical processor dispensary or a cannabis dispensing facility to a patient that maintains a valid written certification for the use of medical cannabis and registration with the Board of Pharmacy. Regulations are currently being developed and are expected to be implemented by September 2021. Botanical cannabis may be dispensed once the regulations are in place and products are available. No more than four ounces of botanical cannabis shall be dispensed per a 30 day period. Any dispensed botanical cannabis is calculated into the total 90-day supply of medical cannabis products that may be obtained.
There is an updated written certification form that contains the new language; however your current form remains valid for 12 months from the time it was issued. If there are any problems with the current form being accepted, please let me know. Other changes allow the continued use of telemedicine for written certifications.
Should you be curious about the new laws surrounding non-medical patient use and possession of cannabis here is a brief run down of the new law. This information is obtained from www.vanorml.org.
What is Legal?
- Possession by adults 21+ of up to one ounce in public.
- Personal cultivation of up to 4 plants per household by adults 21+ at their primary residence.
- Adult-sharing of up to one ounce in private without remuneration.
- Continued participation in the medical cannabis program which allows purchase at Virginia dispensaries.
What is not Legal?
- Public consumption
- Possession or consumption by anyone under 21.
- Possession on school grounds or school bus.
- Consumption in a motor vehicle while being driven (passenger or driver).
- Open container in vehicle.
- Sharing or offering in public
- Selling or purchasing cannabis outside of the medical program.
- Selling or purchasing cannabis seeds or cannabis products.
- Gifting schemes (gift with purchase, public giveaway events, paid entry consumption events.)
Personal cultivation guidelines
- Tag each plant with owners name, drivers’ license number/state ID number, and “For personal use”
- Plants must not be visible from a public way without the use of aircraft, binoculars, or other optical aids.
- Prevent access by those under 21.
- Cultivation is permitted indoors or outdoors, but may be restricted in rental housing.
- Cultivation is only permitted at the individuals primary residence.
This information was taken directly from vanorml.org website, the rest of the information on the page covers sharing, seeds (illegal still amazingly enough, even though you can have plants….), paraphernalia, and other topics.
Ready to discuss your situation and see if a medical card is right for you? Click here for an appointment!
