Virginia Medical Marijuana Card Benefits

Marijuana is now legal in Virginia for medical and recreational use. That brings the option of forgoing a medical marijuana card and just purchasing your marijuana elsewhere, but that is not always the best option. 

There are many benefits to having a medical marijuana card in Virginia. Some of these benefits include the ability to use medical marijuana out of state and possess cannabis for medical purposes. Read on and look at the many benefits of owning a medical marijuana card in Virginia.

Treat several debilitating medical conditions.

We have written about the differences between medical and recreational marijuana in the past. There is a significant difference between the two in terms of the user. Someone that uses medical marijuana is usually using it to treat a medical condition. Whereas someone using marijuana as a recreational drug is using it for enjoyment. 

Medical marijuana strains tend to have a higher CBD ratio than THC. In the case of recreational marijuana, the product tends to have higher amounts of THC compared to CBD. CBD is used to treat various conditions, from anxiety to chronic pain. 

Doctors can prescribe medical marijuana to treat many debilitating medical conditions. These include:

• Cancer

• HIV/AIDS

• PTSD Symptoms

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Many conditions can qualify you for medical marijuana. The following are included but are not limited to:

• Alzheimer's disease

• Anorexia 

• Anxiety disorder

• Arthritis

• Bipolar Disorder

• Cancer

• Depression

• Epilepsy

• Insomnia

• Multiple Sclerosis

Medical Marijuana is Safe

In terms of regulation, medical marijuana is very different from other types of cannabis. Medical Marijuana undergoes stringent government regulation before you even get it. Although marijuana is safe in most cases, it is important to know that your product is safe and effective. When you buy medical marijuana, you can feel comfortable that your product has been tested and met your state's guidelines. 

This is probably the most important thing to know about medical marijuana, as synthetic marijuana can be sold to you when you don't even realize it. This comes with its own health problems and legal implications. Going to a trusted dispensary is a step to keeping you safe.

Stronger legal protection

Holders of a medical marijuana card also have greater legal protections than their contemporaries. Possession, consumption, and transport of medical marijuana are legal in Virginia if you are a registered medical marijuana patient. Having a card can even protect you from getting fired from your job if you use cannabis. In the United States, we have labor laws that include at-will employment. At-will employment allows employers to terminate employees for any reason except for illegal ones or no reason.

Additionally, employees may leave their jobs for almost no reason without facing legal repercussions. Many states have varying laws on at-will employment, but the idea stands that smoking marijuana could cost you your job. Luckily, Virginia passed laws protecting cannabis users. Employee protections under HB 1862 prohibit employers from terminating or discriminating against employees based on the employee's use of medical marijuana to treat or eliminate symptoms of a diagnosed diagnosis. The employee must obtain a valid written certification from a qualified practitioner, which can come in the form of a medical marijuana card. Users of marijuana that do not have a medical marijuana card do not have this level of protection. Be aware that HB 1862 does not protect you from appearing to work impaired. 

Access to medical-only cannabis dispensaries

In Virginia, you must have a medical marijuana card to access a dispensary. Medical dispensaries only sell medical-use cannabis products. 

Medical dispensaries can have a more comprehensive selection of products than recreational dispensaries because they can legally carry an array of cannabis medicines, including tinctures, capsules, topicals, oils, and more. In addition to having access to different types of treatment, patients also have greater flexibility regarding where they purchase their medicine, as many states allow home delivery services. Medical dispensaries put medicine first and offer savings on cost. 

Cheaper

Compared to prescription drugs, street marijuana, and other alternative treatments, medical marijuana is significantly less expensive. In addition to being more affordable, medical marijuana has fewer side effects and is safer for use in a home environment. 

Recreational marijuana also faces more potential taxes, such as the Virginia recreational excise tax. Under this tax, a 21 percent excise tax is imposed on cannabis sales by the state, which is paid by consumers and remitted by retailers. Local governments can also tax retail prices up to 3 percent. In contrast to medical marijuana, you only have to pay up to a 5.30% sales tax on every purchase with no excise tax. 

Possession, purchase, and growing limits

Medical marijuana card holders can possess products for up to 90 days with a valid prescription and MMJ card and purchase up to 4 ounces of cannabis every 30 days. Additionally, those with a valid medical marijuana card may grow up to 4 plants in their home at a time. However, keep in mind you are only allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana.

Pick The Safe and Easy Option Of Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana is the legal and safe option for those who suffer from debilitating conditions. You should consult with a doctor about whether medical cannabis can alleviate your pain and suffering. If so, obtaining a medical marijuana card will allow you access to all the benefits we have gone over. Book an appointment to find out more.