Virginia, like many states, now has a formal medical cannabis program. As the program continues to expand and evolve, more and more Virginians are discovering how medical marijuana can help them lead healthier, happier lives.
In an exciting new development earlier this summer, it was announced that patients no longer need a Virginia medical marijuana card at state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries. Now, the only thing you will need is a medical cannabis certificate from a licensed doctor.
The hope is to speed up the process and allow patients to receive the benefits of medical marijuana more readily. Already in effect, patients are able to go right from the doctor to the dispensary of their choice to obtain medical marijuana products. If you think you might be able to benefit from this increase in access, read on to learn more.
How can medical marijuana help?
Cannabis is most often used for chronic pain management, but patients with nausea, glaucoma, impaired motor function, neurological disorders, seizures, migraines, and various other health conditions may also find improvement through its use. Some research suggests that products with a combination of both CBD and THC may offer the most significant benefit in treating certain medical conditions.
What’s the difference between CBD and THC?
Although both derive from the Cannabis Sativa plant, cannabidiol (CBD) differs from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in that CBD provides its effects without a psychoactive “high.” Therefore, CBD does not require medical certification, but THC does.
What health conditions qualify for medical marijuana?
To qualify for medical marijuana access in Virginia, you must first be diagnosed with an eligible health condition that is likely to benefit from its use, including but not limited to:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Cachexia and wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy and other seizure
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Huntington’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sickle cell anemia
- Tourette’s syndrome
How can I consume cannabis?
The variety of products available is increasing all the time, as the investment in the research and development of cannabis products continues to grow. Currently, licensed dispensaries carry a wide range of cannabis-based products in varying potencies, including capsules, tinctures, creams, oils, gels, patches, vapes, and edibles. A doctor or dispensary employee can help guide you towards the right product according to your medical needs and personal preferences.
How do I obtain medical marijuana?
To access medical marijuana, consumers must obtain a certification from a registered practitioner. By booking a telemedicine appointment, many medical marijuana doctors are able to provide you with valid certification on the same day as your evaluation.
What happens after certification?
After receiving certification, consumers can buy medical marijuana at any licensed cannabis dispensary within the state of Virginia. Certified consumers may also be able to purchase medical marijuana in other states that have similar requirements.
Organized first US LASIK course. Popularized terms LASIK and PRK. Published first textbook chapters written on myopic and hyperopic LASIK techniques.
Pioneer in corneal lamellar transplantation. First textbook chapter on modern lamellar corneal transplants.
Pioneer in correction of Presbyopia using excimer and Femtosecond LASER’s.
Created clinical training program with Waterloo University (Canada). The addition of fifteen volunteer Canadian eye doctors per year enabled my practice to become one the largest private donators of medical and surgical charity in the US between 2000-2013. In 2011, started looking at the marijuana business and continue my activity within this sphere up to now.
- Your FAQs About Medical Marijuana and How to Access It in Virginia - October 21, 2022
- The Natural Choice: Why Medical Marijuana is Growing in Popularity - October 21, 2022
- Bottoms Up: The Reason More and More People Are Reaching a Medical Marijuana Beverage - October 21, 2022
