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TESTIMONIALS

The Sanctuary Wellness Institute Reviews

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"When I needed my medical marijuana certification, I turned to the Sanctuary. They made the entire process so easy and I was able to submit my registration to the DOH with no problem and, most importantly, no judgment. Thank you!"

  • marijuana Virginia card review
    The Sanctuary Wellness Institute Reviewed by Jennifer E. - Medical Marijuana Card Evaluation review
    February 12 2020


    "...I will definitely recommend  the doctor and Sanctuary Wellness to others"


    "Dr. Raymond was kind and well informed and I felt like he was really advocating for me. I will definitely recommend him and Sanctuary Wellness to others.* "

    Rating: 5

How It Works

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in VA

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Book an Appointment


Make an appointment with a practitioner once you've decided that medical marijuana is right for you. This certification to obtain cannabis can only be furnished by providers who are registered with the BOP. The BOP website contains a list of registered providers.

Before your appointment, go over any questions you have. You should inquire with your doctor about marijuana's suitability for treating your condition, as well as its potential side effects and what to expect when you begin the treatment.

Consult an MMJ Doctor


After confirming that your condition qualifies you for medical marijuana treatment, the provider will issue you a written certification. If you are caring for a minor or an incapacitated adult, the medical marijuana doctor will write a certification for both you and the medical marijuana patient.

Get Approved


You can join the BOP's registry after receiving a written certification from a healthcare provider. Patients must apply for medical marijuana through the BOP licensing website. You can complete a guided online application after creating an account.

The patient, as well as any qualified caregivers, must apply for admittance to the registry separately. They must also send the BOP supporting documentation proving their identities and residences. Initial medical cannabis patient applications are processed in 30 days.

If the BOP needs more information, they will contact you via email. The address you provide during the application process will be used to mail you your marijuana card.

About Medical Marijuana

Medical Marijuana in Virginia

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Medical marijuana is available in Virginia for a variety of medical conditions. It's crucial to talk to your doctor about your symptoms because some chronic ones that don't respond to medical treatment may qualify you for Virginia's medical marijuana program.


Qualifying Conditions

Some such conditions include:

  • Cancer
  • Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
  • Chronic pain and fibromyalgia
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Crohn’s Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Cachexia and wasting syndrome
  • Sickle Cell Anemia
  • Anxiety
  • Glaucoma
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Alzheimers
  • Autism
  • Tourette’s Syndrome



Information and Forms


A written certification from a provider registered to recommend cannabis is required for every application to the BOP registry. The application is completed entirely online.

Patients and guardians must complete the application and verification process separately.

To supplement their Virginia marijuana card application, qualifying patients must scan and email or mail copies of the following medical records and documents to the BOP:

  • A written certification from a certified practitioner
  • Proof of residency for the patient/guardian (a government-issued identification card or tax receipt)
  • Proof of identity for the patient/guardian (a US passport or other government-issued ID)
  • Age verification for the patient/guardian (a birth certification or other government-issued ID)

Note that a valid Virginia driver’s license serves as proof of age, identity, and Virginia residency.

Marijuana Laws in VA


The first dispensaries in Virginia opened in the fall of 2020. They only sold cannabis in non-herbal forms like oils and tinctures back then. The commonwealth expanded the law in July 2021 and began selling botanical cannabis for medical purposes.


Virginia Public Consumption Laws


The use of cannabis in public is illegal for both recreational users and patients with written certifications. You cannot legally smoke or consume cannabis anywhere except in a private residence.

Since marijuana possession and consumption is still illegal under federal law, cannabis cannot be consumed in federally subsidized housing or within national parks. Property owners can ban marijuana consumption on their premises for recreational and medical users. Always check your lease terms before consuming cannabis in a rental property.


Virginia Cannabis DUI Laws


You cannot operate a vehicle in Virginia while under the influence of marijuana if it alters your ability to drive. There is no threshold for marijuana intoxication like there is for alcohol. Any amount of THC is illegal if a law enforcement officer determines you are impaired.

First offenses are misdemeanors punished by a $250 fine and a one-year loss of license. Each subsequent violation is subject to increasing penalties up to imprisonment, forfeiture of your vehicle, and indefinite license suspension.


Possession and Cultivation


Virginia legalized recreational marijuana use as part of legislation that went into effect in July 2021. It won't be available for purchase at dispensaries until 2023.

Virginians with a marijuana card can currently obtain and possess up to four ounces of botanical cannabis for a period of up to 30 days.

Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to one ounce of marijuana in Virginia. Marijuana is only allowed to be consumed in private homes.

Adults over the age of 21 are allowed to grow up to four plants per household. This translates to four plants per location, not four plants per resident. Virginia also allows adults to share up to one ounce of marijuana in a private residence as long as no money is exchanged.


Where Can You Buy Virginia Medical Marijuana?


Four companies are authorized to operate dispensaries throughout the state. Many locations offer delivery services in addition to in-store shopping. Visit your chosen dispensary's website or call ahead to verify product availability, hours, and store policies. Locations include:


Many dispensaries offer discounts for seniors and veterans, have loyalty rewards programs, and run discounts on select products. Visiting multiple dispensaries will help you find the best facility for your needs.

Why Get a Virginia Medical Marijuana Card?


Effective Treatment

Despite the fact that cannabis is not FDA-approved as a treatment for any medical conditions, there is a substantial body of evidence supporting its medicinal value. Medical marijuana has also been legal in various states for over a decade.

The body of research and anecdotal evidence supporting marijuana's efficacy is only growing. Medical cannabis is a valuable alternative therapy for chronic conditions that resist traditional medical intervention because THC is a proven pain reliever, appetite stimulant, and mood regulator.

Dispensary Access

There are four cannabis dispensaries in Virginia right now. They're all regulated by the government and staffed by trained professionals. A medical cannabis card gives you access to a variety of marijuana strains and potencies.

Anyone trying to figure out which type of medical marijuana will best treat their condition(s) can benefit from visiting a dispensary.

Patient Product Confidence

Virginia is in charge of medical marijuana cultivation, packaging, and distribution. The quality and safety of marijuana available for purchase at dispensaries is closely monitored by the government.

Legal Protection

A valid Virginia medical marijuana card is currently the only way to legally possess, consume, and transport more than one ounce of marijuana.

Access to Other States

Marijuana in any form is still illegal under federal law. However, some states offer reciprocity, which means they accept medical marijuana cards from other states. You can legally obtain medical marijuana products as long as you follow each state's regulations.

Even if you're a registered patient, you can't legally transport marijuana across state lines, despite Virginia's legalization. Before you hit the road, always double-check the laws of the states you'll be visiting.

A Virginia MMJ card is accepted in Arkansas, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Washington, D.C.