Medical Marijuana Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the principal steps to receiving my medical cannabis card?
Receive a medical evaluation from licensed medical cannabis doctors for a letter of recommendation. File an initial application with The Virginia Department of Health Professionals HERE
Q. What are the medical conditions that qualify for a medical marijuana card (cannabis card)?
In the state of Virginia these are the qualifying conditions to become a medical cannabis patient:
“Any diagnosed condition or disease determined by the practitioner to benefit from such use.”
Q. Does Virginia Cannabis Physicians sell medical marijuana?
No. Virginia Cannabis Physicians is a licensed and board-certified medical marijuana evaluation medical office. We provide medical cannabis evaluations to new patients and to existing patients in the state of Virginia. In addition, Virginia Cannabis Physicians issues medical marijuana recommendations and certifications necessary for obtaining a medical marijuana card (cannabis card) in line with the regulations of the medical marijuana program established by the state of Virginia.
Q. How long will the office visit take to obtain my letter of recommendation?
The duration of the Telehealth visit will vary slightly but if all documents have been completed and medical records obtained before the visit then approximately 30 minutes.
Q. When will I get my medical marijuana card or cannabis card? Will you, Virginia Cannabis Physicians, notify me?
It will be the patient’s responsibility to monitor the commission’s website after they have filled out the necessary info and the letter of recommendation has been uploaded. The commission will post approval/denials online and the time between registration completion and approval/denial is determined by the commission and questions/delays should be forwarded to the commission.
Q. How will Virginia Cannabis Physicians protect patient confidentiality?
Our clinic has taken steps in accordance with Federal and State laws to protect the confidentiality of our patient’s protected medical information. Personal information will only be released to people who have been authorized by the patient and listed on their HIPPA form. Please check out our Privacy Policy.
Q. I am a Veteran, can I get my medical cannabis card?
Veterans can obtain medical cannabis in the same way as other patients. Veterans need to make sure that using medical cannabis will not disqualify them from the Veterans Affairs health system. Virginia Cannabis Physicians is happy to offer a military discount of $22 with proof of service. Hospice patients pay nothing.
Q. Will my health insurance cover the cost of the visit to obtain my letter of recommendation and medical cannabis evaluation?
Currently, health insurance companies are not required to cover the cost of medical cannabis. Virginia Cannabis Physicians does not accept insurance. We will accept payments in cash or credit/debit card.
Q. How long is my medical marijuana card valid for?
Your prescription is valid for one year with our office. You will need to return each year for recertification.
Q. My medical marijuana card is expiring soon or is already expired. What do I do?
When your medical marijuana card expires or prior to expiration you will need to schedule an appointment with our clinic to get a reevaluation and a new letter of recommendation for a new medical marijuana card. You will now be referred to as an existing patient.
Q. I want to become a caregiver. How can I become one?
Caregivers are only appointed by patients. If a patient selects you to be a caregiver, you must register through the Commission’s caregiver registry, which will open during the first quarter of 2017. Caregivers cannot care for more than five qualifying patients.
Q. How many caregivers can one patient have?
A patient may designate up to two persons as caregivers.
Q. What is the minimum age for a caregiver?
Caregivers must be 21 years old or older.
Q. Can a caregiver be a family member?
Yes, a caregiver may be a family member.
Q. Can patients cultivate their own cannabis? Can a caregiver cultivate cannabis for patients?
No, Virginia law does not allow this.
Q. My child needs medical cannabis. Can he or she get it legally?
Children who meet their physician’s criteria for treatment can become legal patients in Virginia. However, children must have a parent or guardian serve as a caregiver.
Q. What happens if I am stopped by law enforcement?
Patients do not have to disclose that they possess medical cannabis and do not have to consent to a search. However, if a search is conducted and medical cannabis is found, the patient should present their patient ID card or direct law enforcement to our database.
Q. What fees do patients have to pay the Commission to get medical cannabis?
VA charges $50 for your application.
Q. My employer tests for drug use including cannabis. Can they test me if I am a medical cannabis patient? Can they fire me if I use medical cannabis?
Virginia law does not prevent an employer from testing for use of cannabis (for any reason) or taking action against an employee who tests positive for use of cannabis (for any reason).
Q. I am on probation. Can I still get my medical marijuana card?
You are still subject to the standards of your probation officer. Please contact them to discuss your conditions of probation before applying.