Qualifying Conditions for Medical Card in Virginia [2026]

Qualifying for medical marijuana in Virginia is more accessible than most people realize. Virginia does not maintain a fixed list of qualifying conditions – instead, any patient whose certifying physician believes cannabis could benefit their health may qualify. To receive a written certification, you must consult with a practitioner of medicine or osteopathy, a physician assistant licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine, or an advanced practice registered nurse jointly licensed by the Virginia Boards of Medicine and Nursing who is also registered with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA).

Yes, medical marijuana is fully legal in Virginia. The state’s medical cannabis program is administered by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA), which allows patients with a valid written certification from a CCA-registered provider to legally purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries. Recreational cannabis is also legal in Virginia for adults aged 21 and older, making Virginia one of the states where both medical and adult-use cannabis are fully accessible. Holding a medical certification provides advantages over recreational purchasing, including higher possession limits and access to a broader range of products.

As of 2026, Virginia does not have a fixed list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. A CCA-registered practitioner can certify any patient whose condition they believe would benefit from cannabis treatment. That said, the following are conditions that Virginia practitioners most commonly certify patients for:

• Cachexia and Anorexia
• Cancer
• Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
• Chronic Pain
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Spinal Cord Injury

To receive a medical marijuana certification in Virginia, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age. Patients under 18 may qualify with a registered caregiver applying on their behalf.
• Must be a resident of Virginia.
• Must have a condition that a CCA-registered practitioner believes cannabis could benefit.
• Must obtain a written certification from a practitioner registered with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.

Our physician consultation starts as low as $45, covering your full evaluation by a CCA-registered Virginia healthcare provider. If you choose to register with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, the optional registration fee is $50 for adult patients. For a parent or legal guardian registering on behalf of a minor patient, the registration fee is $25.

Your certifying practitioner can issue your written certification in two ways:

• Digitally – through the CCA’s medical cannabis portal, generating a digital validation that can be printed
• On paper – a paper certification given directly to you by your provider

Both formats are fully accepted at all licensed Virginia dispensaries.

If you choose to register with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, the following documents are required:

• Proof of Identity – Virginia ID card, U.S. passport, or Virginia driver’s license
• Proof of Residency – Virginia driver’s license, Virginia ID card, or tax receipt
• Proof of Age – birth certificate, Virginia ID card, or Virginia driver’s license
• A copy of your written certification from a CCA-registered medical marijuana practitioner

Once a CCA-registered Virginia practitioner certifies you, here is what happens next:

• You receive your written certification – either as a digital validation through the CCA portal that you can print, or as a paper copy from your provider directly.
• Registration is optional – most patients do not need to register with the CCA. Simply bring your written certification and a valid government-issued photo ID to any licensed Virginia dispensary.
• If registration is needed (for caregivers, legal guardians, or registered agents not named on the certification): Submit your application through the Virginia CCA’s patient portal, pay the applicable fee ($50 for adults, $25 for minors), and submit required documents via email to the Board of Pharmacy.