Connecting with Physicians

Always seek advice from a medical provider for your certification. Finding a provider is easy, just click the link below.

The realm of medicinal cannabis care necessitates the expertise of qualified medical providers. It is essential to consult with a knowledgeable provider who can offer  recommendations for cannabis treatment, ensuring that patients benefit fully from its therapeutic properties. Such expert guidance not only clarifies the legal framework surrounding medical cannabis in Virginia but also underscores the critical importance of personalized medical consultation in crafting a treatment plan that maximizes the medicinal benefits of cannabis.

The "Prescription" Process

Cannabis Recommendations

Obtaining a medical cannabis recommendation in Virginia is governed by a set of legal guidelines designed to protect patients and ensure responsible use. Key points include:

Consultation

A face-to-face consultation with a physician is mandatory to assess your condition and determine if medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment.

Certification

If deemed a suitable candidate, the physician will issue a written recommendation, which is then submitted as part of your application.

Confidentiality

All consultations and medical records are handled with strict confidentiality, adhering to HIPAA regulations. Visit one of our locations for more details.

Prioritizing the understanding of both the legal parameters and the therapeutic scope of medical cannabis is a pivotal step toward a successful and lawful approach to treatment. Engaging in a face-to-face medical consultation serves not only to align with Virginia’s cannabis legislation, but it also forges a bond of confidence and safety, pivotal in the patient-healthcare provider relationship.

The personalized nature of such consultations is vital, as it ensures that each cannabis treatment recommendation is meticulously tailored, reflecting a profound grasp of each patient’s distinctive health profile. This meticulous and confidential approach manifests a profound dedication to patient care, embarking on a medical cannabis journey that is both well-informed and customized, enhancing the potential for optimal health outcomes.

Making Informed Decisions

The Importance of Medical Advice

The decision to incorporate medical marijuana into your treatment plan should be made with careful consideration and professional medical advice. Consulting with a qualified physician ensures that:

  • Your medical history is thoroughly evaluated.
  • The potential benefits and risks of medical cannabis are discussed.
  • Your treatment is tailored to your specific needs, enhancing the effectiveness and safety of medical marijuana use.
Ensuring Safe and Effective Treatment

The guidance of a physician is invaluable in your treatment with medical cannabis, from selecting the right product to determining the optimal dosage. This professional oversight is crucial in maximizing the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis while minimizing potential risks. The physician’s expertise allows for the monitoring of treatment progress and the adjustment of dosages as needed, ensuring that your medical cannabis use remains aligned with your evolving health goals. Their ongoing support and advice provide a safety net, helping you navigate the complexities of medical cannabis with confidence and peace of mind.

Addressing Your Concerns

A patient who has received a written certification from a medical practitioner who has determined the patient has a condition or a disease that would benefit from the use of medical cannabis. Click here for more information on becoming a medical cannabis patient.

To become a Virginia medical cannabis program patient, you must:

  • Be a Virginia resident
  • Have a condition that may benefit from the use of cannabis products
  • Have a valid government-issued form of identification

If you meet these qualifications, you must receive a written certification from a qualified healthcare practitioner before purchasing medical cannabis. Parents or legal guardians may be listed on a written certification for a minor or vulnerable adult to purchase medical cannabis on their behalf. A patient, parent, or legal guardian can also designate a registered agent to purchase medical cannabis on the patient’s behalf. Certifications are valid for one year unless the practitioner designates an earlier expiration.

After a written certification is issued, a patient can access a digital “Validation of Written Certification” which, when presented at one of the state-designated cannabis dispensaries, along with a valid government issued identification card, enables the purchase of medical cannabis.

Click here for more information on becoming a medical cannabis patient. 

No. The law no longer requires a patient to receive a registration card from the CCA.

A patient’s parent, legal guardian, or registered agent is not required to register with the CCA if the practitioner designates them as such on the written certification. If not designated on the written certification, a parent, legal guardian, or registered agent must register with the CCA to receive medical cannabis on behalf of the patient.

When a practitioner completes a written certification in the medical cannabis portal, it generates a digital “Validation of Written Certification”. This digital validation can be printed out as needed or stored on an electronic device. Patients who choose to register with the CCA, at the cost of $50 per year, will receive a digital registered patient card in addition to their “Validation of Written Certification.”

The initial registration fee is $50, and the annual renewal fee is $50.

The initial registration fee is $25, and the annual renewal fee is $25.

A certification for medical cannabis from a medical practitioner is valid for one year unless the medical practitioner designates an earlier expiration on the written certification.

The parent or legal guardian must be listed on the written certification completed by the qualified medical practitioner. If not listed on the written certification, the parent or legal guardian must register with the CCA.

A practitioner of medicine or osteopathy, a physician assistant licensed by the Board of Medicine, or an advanced practice registered nurse jointly licensed by the Board of Medicine and the Board of Nursing can issue written certifications for the use of medical cannabis. Please contact the practitioner of your choice directly to determine if they participate in the medical cannabis program. 

Other states or jurisdictions may honor Virginia patient credentials to purchase medical cannabis products within their licensed dispensaries. Each jurisdiction establishes its own regulations regarding visitor purchase allowances. Review the requirements of the jurisdiction you are planning to visit. 

I am a medical cannabis patient. Can I smoke or consume cannabis products in public?