You must be a legal resident of Virginia who is able to prove residency in order to apply for a Virginia medical cannabis card. Patients under the age of 18 must also have a parent or guardian registered as a caregiver on their behalf.
Patients may purchase a 90 day supply of their medication. Patients may purchase medical cannabis in oil-based preparations such as lozenges, capsules, and vape pens. Cannabis flower is not able to be purchased at this time.
The first step in the process of obtaining your medical marijuana card in Virginia is to make an appointment with Canna Care Docs. You may schedule online at cannacaredocs.com/virginia/
To prepare for your appointment you will want to collect your medical records about the condition you wish to treat with medical cannabis. This can be as simple as taking a picture of a prescription bottle you have been given to treat your condition.
During your appointment, you will meet with our knowledgeable provider who will decide if medical cannabis may benefit your condition.
Upon deciding to recommend medical cannabis your provider will issue a written certification.
Our helpful team will provide step by step instructions for registering as a patient with the VA Department of Health Professionals. This process involves entering brief demographic information to register your account. You will then be asked to submit a $50 payment for your registration.
The final step is submitting your written certification and state-issued ID to the VA Board of Pharmacy. You will receive a registration card mailed to you in approximately 7-10 days.
Canna Care Docs team of professionals will walk you the whole way through the process from start to finish. The team will guide you through obtaining your medical records and getting ready to meet with our medical provider. You will have the opportunity to have an online telemedicine visit with one of our compassionate, knowledgeable medical providers who will determine if medical cannabis may be helpful to you. Once your medical provider issues a written certification for you our team will guide you through registering with the state to receive your medical cannabis card. Our caring team will also take the time to educate you about medical cannabis and how to maximize its benefits. We remain committed to your health throughout the year as we provide follow up care.
The visit with Canna Care Docs is $150. There is also a $50 registration fee that needs to be paid to the state. We offer a $10 Veteran’s discount in appreciation of the service to our country.
A medical provider may recommend medical cannabis to treat any condition that they feel may benefit from medical cannabis and cannabinoid-based therapies.
You will need a state-issued driver’s license or other documents that prove your Virginia residency, identity, and age.
You will also need a brief medical record pertaining to the condition you would like to treat with medical cannabis.
Yes, you will be able to upload your records directly to your patient portal which you will receive access to. You may also request that your Primary Care Physician or other medical provider fax your records to us at 443-917-2279.
A minor patient under 18 can receive a medical cannabis card so long as a parent or guardian is registered as their caregiver.
When a caregiver is to be used in Virginia, the doctor will include the caregiver’s information on the written certification that they complete. The caregiver would then complete the state registration.
Patients are not permitted to grow medical cannabis in Virginia.
No, Virginia does not have reciprocity. The District of Columbia may at some point extend their reciprocity law to allow for Virginia patients to utilize DC dispensaries in the future. You may check to see if Virginia has been added to the states DC includes at their website: https://dchealth.dc.gov/page/frequently-asked-questions1-faqs-0
Governor Terry McAuliffe signed House Bill 1445 and Senate Bill 1235 in March 2015. These bills created the affirmative defense for possession of THC-A oil for the treatment of epilepsy.
In 2017 Virginia began implementation of in-state production of THC-A and CBD oils. These oils are extracted by the licensed Pharmaceutical Processors that have been selected to grow, process, and dispense medical cannabis in Virginia. There can be a total of 5 Pharmaceutical Processors in the state, one for each Health Service area HSA. As of September 2020, there are 4 companies selected.
July 2020 brought substantial changes to the medical cannabis program. Medical cannabis possession was finally made fully legal. Previously written certification merely provided an affirmative defense if one was found in possession of medical cannabis. Additionally, each Pharmaceutical Processor now has the ability to open 5 additional dispensaries in their HSA.
Medical cannabis is expected to be available for purchase in the fall of 2020.
One of the newest trends is cannabis-infused beauty products containing the cannabinoid CBD. As you may know, CBD is one of the active components within cannabis, however in its isolated form is non-psychoactive, and can offer many of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the “high.”
Recently consumers may have noticed an increase in new cannabis-infused beauty products that claim to harness the powers of CBD in the forms of bath bombs, creams, lotions, lip balms, and moisturizers. For any passionate medical cannabis patient, these products are an exciting new way to consume cannabis without inhaling harmful smoke. However, those claims suggesting that cannabinoids can be absorbed through the skin are currently rooted only in anecdotal evidence, and not clinical research.
There is emerging research suggesting that transdermal cannabis consumption, that is, cannabis absorbed through the skin, can address arthritis and surface level pain. However, everyone reacts differently to these medicinal products and results may vary. Always consult your Canna Care Docs practitioner when trying new a new form of medicine.
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Cannabis has long been associated with “the munchies,” an uncontrollable urge to snack or feast on a large assortment of healthy, or more likely, unhealthy food options. But this urge to consume food is far more important to medical cannabis patients, especially those suffering from HIV, AIDS, and cancer.
It has been known that cannabinoids like THC and CBD have an influence on how we as humans consume food, often playing a role in either weight gain or weight loss. Stimulation of CB1 and CB2 receptors found throughout the body are known to increase cravings for food increasing weight gain, while “antagonism” of these CB receptors can cause weight loss.
While small doses of THC are known to not promote weight gain, extended and more frequent cannabis consumption is known to increase an individual’s daily caloric intake, likely due to more food intake, or snacks, between meals.
Cannabis-induced weight gain in patients with HIV, AIDS, and cancer
For patients with HIV or AIDS, it is of clinical certainty that cannabis consumption via smoking or oral consumption is effective in increasing food intake. In a University of California study, patients consuming cannabis with Dronabinol, and by smoking, saw a weight gain of 3.5 kg and 3.1 kg respectively. Similar results were seen across other studies.
Cancer patients can also experience weight gain with cannabis therapy. Studies going as far back as 1975 have suggested that cannabis could treat nausea and stimulate appetite. Furthermore, other clinical studies have suggested that cannabis use could increase food intake in those who are underweight, but not increase food intake in those who are either of normal weight, or who are overweight. This could be explained by other factors including the frequency of cannabis use, along with other substances at play within the individual user.
Cannabis as an alternative treatment method
Cannabis offers an alternative treatment to other drugs (like Megestrol) that aim to produce weight gain in HIV, AIDS, and cancer patients. While clinically proven to promote weight gain, cannabis isn’t known to produce more weight gain than existing, traditional treatment options.
Works cited
Sansone R. A., Sansone L. A. Marijuana and body weight. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience. 2014;11(7-8):50–54.
The consequences of cannabis impairment – do not medicate and drive
It is never recommended for a medical cannabis patient to medicate, and then operate a vehicle of any kind, regardless of your tolerance or comfort level. Cannabis impairment can seriously impact your ability to drive, or operate any kind of motor vehicle, putting yourself and others at risk of death and serious injury.
The effects of cannabis can impact your reaction time, focus, concentration, and perception of time and distance. Using cannabis and getting behind the wheel of a car could result in you being arrested for a DUI, regardless of the current medical or adult use laws in your state. This is a serious criminal offence that can result in jail time and hinder your ability to travel to other countries.
If you’re impaired by drugs—even if they’re legal prescriptions or medical cannabis—you can be arrested and charged with a DUI. Your status as a medical patient does not justify driving under the influence, and cannabis impairment while driving has extensive consequences. Law enforcement are skilled at detecting impairment of any kind and new testing methods are constantly in development. There is no justifiable reason for getting behind the wheel while under the influence so always choose a safe way home. It’s not worth the risk of hurting yourself or those around you. If you have any questions about using cannabis safely, call your respective Canna Care Docs clinic at 781-382-8053 and speak with a professional there.
For those who might be exploring the benefits of cannabis or are considering its many therapeutic effects, Cannabidiol, often abbreviated as CBD is especially important for cannabis patients. CBD possess a wide array of therapeutic effects, without the psychoactive and intoxicating effects that are typically associated with cannabis.
CBD is one of close to 85 cannabinoids present in cannabis, with THC being the most commonly known. Cannabinoids are chemicals within cannabis that offer relief to patients, similar to natural compounds in our body called endocannabinoids.
As a standalone drug, this cannabinoid has garnered significant interest in the last ten years from the medical community for a number of benefits as a1:
The potential value of CBD for patients
With increased pressure from the North American public, cannabidiol has taken center stage as a drug with an impressive volume of therapeutic applications, but is often still wrapped up in state and federal politics and medical cannabis legalization. With increased attention and further legalization efforts in the United States, research surrounding the health applications are still in its infancy stages, but documentation and clinical trials continue to flow into the public sphere.
The CBD knowledge-base continues to grow
Recently, research has revolved around the use of cannabidiol for treating refractory epilepsy, most notably in children suffering from Dravet Syndrome.2 Clinical trials have explored the impacts of CBD on pediatric epilepsy, yielding positive results from a study consisting of 74 patients under the age of 18, with 90 percent of patients reporting a reduction in seizure frequency.3
Clinical evidence also demonstrates that cannabidiol can reduce anxiety-related behavior related to a number of disorders including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.4
Isolated cannabidiol oil is an emerging product available to patients, and oral consumption remains as one of the simplest ways to consume the product. CBD tinctures are also available; infused with alcohol and held underneath the tongue to aid delivery into the bloodstream. However, recent studies have suggested that vaporization of CBD might present as the most efficient way of consuming cannabidiol5, compared to other consumption methods such as topical creams and edible products.
The possibilities of cannabidiol are endless, and for patients on their cannabis journey, cannabidiol has the possibility to work wonders; supported by clinical trials and evidence, the hope is that CBD cements itself as a drug that can aid in a myriad of medical issues.
Works cited
1.Morales P, Reggio PH, Jagerovic N. An Overview on Medicinal Chemistry of Synthetic and Natural Derivatives of Cannabidiol. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2017;8. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00422.
2. Welty TE, Luebke A, Gidal BE. Cannabidiol: Promise and Pitfalls. Epilepsy Currents. 2014;14(5):250-252. doi:10.5698/1535-7597-14.5.250.
3. Tzadok M, Uliel-Siboni S, Linder I, et al. CBD-enriched medical cannabis for intractable pediatric epilepsy. Seizure. 2016;35:41-44. doi:10.1016/j.seizure.2016.01.004.
4. Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1. 5. Solowij N, Broyd SJ, Hell HHV, Hazekamp A. A protocol for the delivery of cannabidiol (CBD) and combined CBD and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by vaporisation. BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2014;15(1). doi:10.1186/2050-6511-15-58.
5. Solowij N, Broyd SJ, Hell HHV, Hazekamp A. A protocol for the delivery of cannabidiol (CBD) and combined CBD and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by vaporisation. BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2014;15(1). doi:10.1186/2050-6511-15-58.
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Cannabis, a plant that has proven to be complex is still under the microscope by researchers, patients, physicians, and society. But one of the most famous and most widely known phrases associated with the plant will always be THC, or more appropriately, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. But many new patients want an introduction on THC basics, learning how it can play a role in a patient’s well-being and healing.
While cannabis has been used for medical, religious, and recreational purposes for over 5,000 years1, THC, as an isolated cannabinoid derived from the plant was first discovered by Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Goani in 19642. This cornerstone research discovery by Mechoulam would lead to the discovery of other cannabinoids including CBD, as well as the endocannabinoid system, our body’s way of utilizing the healing potential of cannabis.3
THC is known to be the major psychoactive component of cannabis, in other words, it’s the part of the cannabis plant that gives the euphoric feeling of being “high”.4 As one of the many cannabinoids present within cannabis, THC interacts with our endocannabinoid system to produce a wide range of effects.5 THC activates CB1 receptors within the central nervous system and our endocannabinoid system, giving THC this unique effect with both therapeutic and recreational uses.6
THC basics: perceptions in today’s society
As a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, THC and its potential as a medicine has been wrapped up in political red tape, along with many stigmas tied to the plant including potential harms and notions of it leading to other more harmful drugs.7
However, cannabis and THC as a medicine has had a resurgence as of late within North America, attributed partly because of reduced stigma, further normalization, and the growing opioid abuse epidemic.8
Learning the THC basics to utilize its many therapeutic benefits
Cannabis and THC has been historically known to be ingested through smoking of the dried herb, however, as patients of medical cannabis, there are many other consumption methods that are more beneficial to one’s health than inhaling smoke, including vaporization, edible products, and even tinctures.
THC is simply one cannabinoid present within cannabis that interacts with many other cannabinoids present within the plant, including aromatic terpenes which all contribute to what is known as the entourage effect. THC as an extract presents its own unique set of therapeutic effects, but when interacting other other cannabinoids and terpenes, it can lead patients down the road of many different avenues of healing.
As for the specific effects of THC, they can both be short and long term, with both therapeutic and adverse effects, dependent on many things including the individual, dose, potency, and delivery method.
The therapeutic effects of THC
• Muscle Relaxant
• Anti-nausea
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-spasm/tremor
• Anti-seizure
• Appetite stimulant
• Bronchodilator
• Potential to lower blood pressure
• Anti-depressant
• Pain reliever9
The adverse effects of THC
• Distortion of time
• Memory impairment
• Panic attacks or anxiety
• Delusions
• Impairment
• Hallucinations10
The debate surrounding THC
The debates and voices surrounding cannabis and THC basics as a medicine continues. Proponents of THC are pushing to support medical cannabis in the treatment of many conditions, especially those that have not responded to traditional treatment methods. Cannabis is considered “relatively safe” with few deaths ever reported, can be “self-titratable,” while being relatively inexpensive in comparison to other pharmaceutical agents.11
The voices against cannabis argue that clinical trials to confirm either the harms are benefits are lacking, need FDA approval, and also lack methods standardization and measurement of potency or quality. However, there are companies, like CB2 Insights, who are leading the charge to provide this type of standardized and regulated data in order to transform cannabis into mainstream healthcare.
Works cited
1. Pertwee RG. Cannabinoid pharmacology: the first 66 years. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2009;147(S1). doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706406.
2. Gaoni Y, Mechoulam R. Isolation, Structure, and Partial Synthesis of an Active Constituent of Hashish. Journal of the American Chemical Society. 1964;86(8):1646-1647. doi:10.1021/ja01062a046.
3. Gaoni et al.
4. Bridgeman MB, Abazia DT. Medicinal Cannabis: History, Pharmacology, And Implications for the Acute Care Setting. Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 2017;42(2):180-188.
5. Bridgeman et al.
6. Bridgeman et al.
7. Bridgeman et al.
8. Bridgeman et al.
9. Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2011;163(7):1344-1364. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x.
10. Russo et al.
11. Russo et al.
Get evaluated for medical marijuana with the assistance of Canna Care Docs
Each state has a list of qualifying conditions for their respective medical marijuana programs. In order to qualify for a medical marijuana card, patients must have one of those qualifying conditions. Each state has their own set of guidelines and regulations, along with those qualifying conditions that make a patient eligible for medical cannabis. Depending on the status of medical cannabis in your state, patients will need to have a specific condition in order to qualify and will need to be recommended for medical cannabis by a health professional – like Canna Care Docs.
Patients who are curious as to whether they qualify need to visit their respective state’s medical marijuana program online to see if they have a qualifying condition, as these conditions vary from state to state.
Learn how to get certified for medical marijuana
For patients who do fall within their state’s respective medical cannabis framework, they should then book an appointment directly with Canna Care Docs. Patients will have all their medical cannabis questions answered, connect with a health professional, and begin the process of becoming a medical cannabis patient. Patients must also adhere to strict guidelines for obtaining their medicine, storing, and consuming their medicine. As a part of your evaluation process, a Canna Care Docs educator will ensure you have all the information you need to follow those guidelines.
Discover the benefits of marijuana therapy
Marijuana therapy remains a new option for many patients, however cannabis has been clinically proven to address multiple conditions, especially when traditional treatment options have failed. Chronic pain particularly can be addressed by medical marijuana, offering a treatment method that is less addictive, with less potential for overdose than traditional treatment with opioids. Cannabis can also address mood disorders like anxiety and depression and is a popular option for patients wishing to medicate with something other than antidepressants.
Canna Care Docs is proud to have helped over 350,000 patients access marijuana therapy programs and continue on the path of health and wellness for those seeking alternative treatment options. We serve new and existing patients across 28 clinics in 12 different jurisdictions.
Leverage marijuana therapy without impairment
Patients will be happy to learn that they can use cannabis as a medicine to medicate without impairment. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an active cannabinoid within the plant that offers the therapeutic values of cannabis without impairment, as it is non-psychoactive. For medical patients, this is a great option for those looking to medicate throughout the day, without the “high” that is associated with the plant, and THC. Patients looking to explore the benefits of medical cannabis are encouraged to contact a Canna Care Docs clinic in their community and have all their questions answered by our knowledgeable staff. Experience the Canna Care Docs difference and learn how marijuana therapy can aid in your condition.
