New law streamlines approval process for Virginia medical marijuana users

A new Virginia law that went into effect Friday, July 1, makes it easier for eligible patients seeking to buy medical marijuana. Patients will no longer have to wait for approval from the state pharmacy board.

The law permits patients, legal guardians, and parents of minors to go directly to a medical marijuana dispensary after receiving written certification from a registered practitioner. The need for a medical marijuana card has been eliminated, which should ease the state’s backlog of those who have been waiting for the card.

According to the state, thousands of patients had been backlogged and awaiting approval; there are currently more than 50,000 patients registered for medical marijuana use in the commonwealth.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed HB 933 and SB 671 earlier this year, seeking to make the process easier for patients. The change also eliminates the $50 medical license fee that was previously required.

A patient seeking approval for medical marijuana must visit a registered medical practitioner, in person or via a telehealth appointment. A database of providers can be found on the Virginia Board of Pharmacy website: Virginia Board of Pharmacy – Registered Practitioners