The Pros and Cons of Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia: What You Need to Know

Virginia has taken a huge step forward by legalizing medical marijuana, giving patients a sigh of relief in coping with their ruinous diseases. Despite the fact that adult or recreational use of cannabis laws has become more prevalent, the medical market of VA still plays an important role for many reasons. Still, there are repercussions for every individual. In this article, we will discuss the potential pros and cons of being a cardholder of a Virginia medical marijuana card.

Pros of Having a Medical Marijuana Card

1. Priority Access

Medical marijuanas VA card holders have priority access to cannabis products. If there’s any kind of supply shortage, cardholders can bypass the wait and get their medicine earlier. This was very helpful during the early days of COVID-19 when dispensaries remained open as essential businesses, ensuring patients had access even when supplies were tight.

2. Legal Protection

With a genuine MMJ card and Virginia medical marijuana qualifying conditions, you can legally buy, possess, and use cannabis. It's as similar as you need a driver’s license to drive; your medical card is needed to legally engage in the cannabis marketplace. Without it, you could have to face legal trouble, depending on your state. For example, in VA, possessing cannabis without a medical card could result in a second-degree misdemeanor. 

3. Lower Costs

Cannabis can be pricey, especially on the recreational market, where taxes can add up. Medical cannabis patients often enjoy significant savings, avoiding many of these taxes. In some states, medical users can save between 5-10% and up to 35% on purchases compared to recreational buyers. These states even exempt medical purchases from retail and excise taxes entirely, making it easier to recoup the cost of your medical card quickly.

4. Higher Potency

Medical cannabis cardholders can access higher-potency products than recreational users. Physicians can prescribe stronger doses when necessary, and patients often receive higher purchasing limits or can buy more potent products. This includes items like high-potency vape cartridges and edibles that can contain THC levels ranging from 50% to 90%, providing more effective relief.

5. Higher Possession Limits

Patients with a medical card can possess up to a 60-day supply of cannabis, as determined by their physician. This usually means they can store more cannabis than recreational users. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the recommended amounts in your certification. Avoid possessing more than 3 ounces of flower at a time unless specifically allowed by your certification to avoid steep criminal penalties.

Cons of Having a Medical Marijuana Card

1. No Firearms

Currently, federal law prohibits anyone using cannabis from owning firearms. This restriction is based on a 2011 decision by the ATF and supported by the Wilson vs. Lynch case. Although some states are trying to challenge this federal policy, qualifying conditions like PTSD might still affect your ability to own a gun. If you're a MMJ patient and want to buy a firearm, it’s wise to consult an attorney first.

2. No Commercial Driver’s License

Federal law restricts commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders from using Virginia medical marijuana. If you have a CDL, you cannot get a medical marijuana card without leaving your job and the loss of your license. Overall, you can say that commercial drivers are not eligible for MMJ cards.

3. Not Allowed for Federal Employees

Employees of the federal department cannot use or possess Schedule I drugs, including medical cannabis. This means federal government employees are not allowed to have a MMJ card. Despite some efforts being made to change these federal regulations, current laws still define cannabis as a controlled substance, restricting federal employees from being cardholders.

4. Annual Renewal Required

In almost all states, patients are required to renew their medical marijuana card after 1 year. This process can be cumbersome, especially in states without digital renewal options. Renewal fees can become a burden, as many states do not cover this in their insurance policy. It’s a good idea to check out for any available discounts. Start the renewal process a few months before your card expires so that you can have a constant supply of medical cannabis, as it might take 30-60 days to process the paperwork.

5. Bureaucracy

The application process for a Virginia medical marijuana card can be tricky. Generally, patients must have to follow some bureaucratic steps, which include recommendations from qualified medical marijuana card doctors to give personal details to register. However, telemedicine services have made it much easier, which makes it a convenient and efficient way to get evaluated and start using medical marijuana.

In a Nutshell

In short, there are some consequences of getting a medical card in Virginia, along with notable benefits. It becomes necessary to weigh down all these factors before applying it. You should not make any decision in a hurry that you have to repent yourself in the future. If anyone is considering their options, contact ReThink-Rx; they provide additional insights and support.