Overview
Virginia's medical cannabis program is uniquely accessible compared to other states. In 2018, Virginia eliminated its qualifying conditions list entirely, leaving certification decisions to practitioner discretion. If your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant believes cannabis would benefit your health, they can issue a certification — for any condition.
The program is administered by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA), which took over oversight from the Board of Pharmacy on January 1, 2024. As of 2024, the program serves 104,840 registered patients across 23 dispensaries in 4 of Virginia's 5 Health Service Areas.
Because Virginia has no recreational retail, the medical program is currently the only legal way to purchase cannabis in the Commonwealth. This makes it particularly valuable until recreational sales launch on January 1, 2027.
Virginia does not maintain a list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. Any practitioner registered with the Board of Medicine may issue a written certification for any condition they determine would benefit from cannabis therapy.
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
No State Card Required
Since July 1, 2022 (HB 933/SB 671), Virginia no longer requires a state-issued medical cannabis card. To purchase at a dispensary, you need only:
- A valid written certification from a registered practitioner
- A government-issued photo ID (Virginia ID, driver's license, or other valid ID)
The state does offer an optional $50 registration through the CCA, which some patients obtain for additional documentation. However, it is not required to purchase cannabis at any Virginia dispensary.
How to Get a Medical Cannabis Certification
Step 1: Find a Registered Practitioner
Your certifying practitioner must be registered with the Virginia Board of Medicine. This includes physicians (MDs and DOs), nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Many cannabis-focused clinics operate throughout Virginia, and telemedicine evaluations are fully accepted.
Step 2: Complete Your Evaluation
The practitioner will review your medical history and current condition. Because there is no qualifying conditions list, the evaluation focuses on whether cannabis may benefit your specific health needs. Most telemedicine evaluations take 10 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: Receive Your Written Certification
If the practitioner determines cannabis is appropriate, they will issue a written certification. This is your authorization to purchase at any Virginia dispensary.
Step 4: Visit a Dispensary
Bring your written certification and a valid photo ID to any of Virginia's 23 dispensaries. A pharmacist will consult with you on your first visit to discuss products, dosing, and your treatment plan.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Practitioner evaluation | $79–$300 | Varies by provider; telemedicine often cheaper |
| State registration (optional) | $50 | Not required to purchase at dispensaries |
| Sales tax on purchases | 5.3% | Standard state sales tax applies |
| Annual renewal | $79–$300 | New certification required each year |
Purchase Limits
Medical patients in Virginia can purchase:
- 4 ounces of flower per 30-day period
- 90-day supply of other cannabis products (oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals)
- Products must not exceed 10 mg THC per dose for certain product categories
Your practitioner may set a lower allotment based on your condition and treatment plan. The dispensary's seed-to-sale tracking system monitors purchase limits automatically.
Virginia Dispensaries by Health Service Area
| Health Service Area | Operator | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| HSA 1 (Northwestern) | — | No dispensaries open yet |
| HSA 2 (Northern VA) | Beyond Hello (Jushi Holdings) | Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Manassas, Sterling, Woodbridge |
| HSA 3 (Southwestern) | RISE (Green Thumb Industries) | Abingdon, Bristol, Christiansburg, Danville, Lynchburg, Salem |
| HSA 4 (South Central) | Cannabist + gLeaf | Richmond (2), Henrico, Colonial Heights, Glen Allen |
| HSA 5 (Eastern) | Cannabist (Verano Holdings) | Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg |
All 23 dispensaries are medical only. CCA dispensary directory: cca.virginia.gov/medicalcannabis/dispensaries
Why Get a Medical Certification in Virginia?
Because recreational retail does not exist yet, the medical program offers the only legal purchase channel in Virginia. Even after retail launches in 2027, medical patients will retain important advantages:
| Feature | Recreational (after 2027) | Medical (now) |
|---|---|---|
| Can purchase now? | No — retail starts Jan 1, 2027 | Yes — 23 dispensaries statewide |
| Cannabis excise tax | 6% (under HB 642) | None |
| State sales tax | 5.3% | 5.3% |
| Employment protections | None | Protected under § 40.1-27.4 |
| Minimum age | 21 | 18 (with practitioner certification) |
| Purchase limit | TBD under HB 642 | 4 oz flower/30 days, 90-day supply other |
Until recreational retail opens in January 2027, a medical certification is the only way to legally buy cannabis in Virginia. If you are a regular cannabis consumer, the $79–$300 evaluation cost pays for itself by providing access to tested, regulated products instead of the unregulated market.
Telemedicine
Virginia fully supports telemedicine evaluations for medical cannabis certifications. You can complete your entire evaluation from home via video call. Several online platforms specialize in Virginia cannabis certifications and can typically schedule appointments within days. Telemedicine visits tend to cost less than in-person consultations and are equally valid for dispensary access.
Official Sources
- CCA Medical Cannabis Resources
- CCA Dispensary Directory
- Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
- Cannabis Control Act — Title 4.1, Subtitle II
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org