Last verified: March 2026

Virginia's medical cannabis program offers a wider range of products than many patients expect. All products sold at Virginia's 23 licensed dispensaries are manufactured by the state's four vertically integrated pharmaceutical processors, lab-tested for potency and contaminants, and capped at 10 mg THC per serving. Here is a complete guide to what you can purchase with a medical certification.

Botanical Cannabis (Flower)

Dried cannabis flower became available at Virginia dispensaries in 2022 and is the most popular product category. Flower is sold in pre-weighed quantities by the gram, eighth (3.5g), quarter (7g), half ounce (14g), and ounce (28g).

• How it's used: Smoked in a pipe, bong, or rolled as a joint, or vaporized in a dry herb vaporizer
• Onset: 1–5 minutes (inhaled)
• Duration: 1–3 hours
• Purchase limit: 4 ounces per 30-day period
• Best for: Experienced users who want full-spectrum effects and strain selection

Vape Cartridges and Disposables

Cannabis oil vaporizers are the second most popular category. Available as 510-thread cartridges (requiring a compatible battery) and all-in-one disposable pens.

• How it's used: Inhaled through a battery-powered vaporizer
• Onset: 1–5 minutes
• Duration: 1–3 hours
• Best for: Discreet use, portability, and consistent dosing

Edibles

Virginia dispensaries carry a growing selection of edibles including gummies, lozenges, chocolates, and other infused foods. All edibles are capped at 10 mg THC per serving.

• How it's used: Eaten or dissolved in the mouth
• Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Duration: 4–8 hours
• Best for: Long-lasting relief, precise dosing, smoke-free consumption

Tinctures and Oils

Liquid cannabis extracts taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food and beverages. Dispensed with a measured dropper for precise dosing.

• How it's used: Drops held under the tongue for 60 seconds, then swallowed
• Onset: 15–45 minutes (sublingual); 30 minutes–2 hours (swallowed)
• Duration: 4–6 hours
• Best for: Precise dosing, discreet use, patients who cannot or prefer not to inhale

Capsules

Pre-measured cannabis oil in pharmaceutical-style capsules. Each capsule contains a precise dose, eliminating the need for measuring.

• How it's used: Swallowed with water, like any other capsule
• Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Duration: 4–8 hours
• Best for: Patients who want pharmaceutical-style dosing consistency

Topicals

Cannabis-infused creams, balms, lotions, and salves applied directly to the skin. Topicals are generally non-intoxicating — they provide localized relief without the psychoactive effects associated with other cannabis products.

• How it's used: Applied to skin over the affected area
• Onset: 15–45 minutes
• Duration: 2–4 hours
• Best for: Localized pain, inflammation, skin conditions, patients who want zero psychoactive effects

Transdermal Patches

Adhesive patches that deliver cannabinoids through the skin into the bloodstream over an extended period. Unlike topicals, transdermal patches can produce systemic effects including psychoactive effects.

• How it's used: Applied to a venous area (inner wrist, ankle, behind ear)
• Onset: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Duration: 8–12 hours
• Best for: Sustained, all-day relief with consistent delivery

Sprays

Oral sprays deliver measured doses of cannabis extract directly into the mouth. Quick-acting and easy to dose.

• How it's used: Sprayed under the tongue or inside the cheek
• Onset: 15–30 minutes
• Duration: 3–5 hours
• Best for: Fast, discreet dosing on the go

Suppositories

Cannabis suppositories provide an alternative delivery method for patients who cannot take products orally or prefer to avoid inhalation. They deliver cannabinoids through mucosal absorption.

• Best for: Patients with nausea, digestive issues, or conditions requiring localized pelvic/abdominal relief

Purchase Limits

What's Coming with Retail (2027)

When HB 642 launches Virginia's recreational market on January 1, 2027, several product changes are expected:

• Same 10 mg/serving cap — retail products maintain the medical standard
• New 100 mg/package cap — retail edible packages limited to 100 mg total THC
• Wider product variety — 60 processor licenses and 450 cultivation licenses will dramatically expand the product range beyond what four processors currently offer
• More price competition — multiple operators competing in the same market should drive prices down from current medical levels
• No certification required — any adult 21+ with a valid ID can purchase recreational products

How to Choose Your First Product

If you are new to cannabis, talk to your patient consultant at the dispensary. General guidance:

• Want quick relief? Flower or vape (1–5 minute onset)
• Want long-lasting relief? Edibles or capsules (4–8 hours)
• Want precise dosing? Tinctures or capsules
• Want to avoid psychoactive effects? Topicals
• New to cannabis entirely? Start with the lowest dose available in any product type and wait before taking more

See our What to Expect guide for complete first-visit guidance.