Being a medical marijuana cardholder might have financial, legal, cultivation, health, and wellness advantages.
While a recent analysis discovered that legal marijuana might generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue, the state’s cannabis sector is still in its infancy.
Although public marijuana consumption is currently not permitted in any US state, if authorities stop you in your home state and you have medical marijuana, you will face no legal consequences if you purchased your medicine from a state-licensed dispensary or carried an amount within the state’s legally defined purchase/possession limit. When in possession of any medicinal cannabis products, have your current medical marijuana card on you at all times.
Legalization of Medical Marijuana
The state of Virginia has legalized marijuana for medical use, but the influx of recreational users may force the commonwealth to tweak its current laws. An ounce of marijuana may be carried in public by adults 21 years of age and older, according to a new state legislation.
To obtain marijuana, individuals must have a written certification from a registered practitioner that lists a qualifying condition and recommends cannabis as an option for treatment. When visiting a licensed dispensary, patients must present a written certification and a government-issued ID. The card also serves as a form of identification when working, and employers may not discriminate against employees for using marijuana for medical purposes.
Despite the growing number of dispensaries, the medical marijuana program has been plagued by delays and logistical issues. Many patients are forced to seek out black market products, which may cost less but don’t undergo the same rigorous testing as the medical marijuana industry does. These products often contain high levels of heavy metals, pesticides, or other contaminants and are sold by people with little to no training or education about the drug.
Increased Taxes on Medical Marijuana
With the legalization of medical marijuana in Virginia, patients can now visit dispensaries where they can purchase various products such as capsules, sprays, and oils. They must present a state-issued Virginia medical marijuana card that will allow them to possess, consume, and transport the product legally. However, there is a lot of work to be done before the retail market is fully functional.
Given that marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I restricted substance under federal law, one problem that is currently of concern is the discrepancy between state and federal legislation. This can cause issues with federally regulated businesses like banking and finance. It also could make it difficult for employees to use marijuana for medical reasons when they are at work.
In the short term, many people will likely continue to turn to the black market for their cannabis needs. However, this can be risky, as the products are not screened for heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants.
In addition, the General Assembly has yet to determine how to regulate a recreational market and will likely delay these decisions until next year. This includes how to distribute licenses and what say local governments will have about where pot companies can locate.
Increased Demand for Medical Marijuana
Virginia is poised to see a boom in its medical marijuana industry. The market will likely increase next year when the state’s management authority begins tracking sales and patient totals.
It requires them to get a written recommendation from a physician, who then applies to the state Board of Pharmacy for a card. That process is lengthy and time-consuming, and the number of registered practitioners in the state is limited.
That may change. A new law passed by the General Assembly will allow patients to bypass the application process and instead go directly to a dispensary. The law also creates a Cannabis Business Equity and Diversity Support Team to identify barriers, offer technical assistance, and conduct outreach. It will also waive a percentage of the licensing fee for social equity applicants.
In the meantime, a handful of companies are gearing up to grow and sell medical marijuana.
Increased Competition for Medical Marijuana
Currently, only Virginia residents with a medical marijuana prescription can legally possess cannabis in public and grow up to four plants at home. Retail sales are prohibited. The General Assembly has yet to pass legislation allowing marijuana for recreational use.
The state’s current law allows for one pharmaceutical processor – a facility that has a permit to grow cannabis plants and produce, process, and dispense medicinal cannabis products — per each of the five health service areas. There are only four licensed processors in Virginia.
While there are many benefits to Virginia’s current medical marijuana program, it is difficult for some patients to access.
Another issue is that it is challenging for patients to navigate the system. The law requires a written certification from a doctor who is registered with the state to prescribe marijuana. Still, finding a practitioner in the proper practice setting can be challenging. In addition, some doctors have been criticized for using their clinics as a marketing tool by posting signage to attract potential clients.