How to Get Your $20 Medical Card Online in Virginia: A Guide

How to Get Your $20 Medical Card Online in Virginia: A Guide

The state of Virginia is one of the 38 US states that have legalized the use of medical marijuana so far. A state known for its strict stance on cannabis use policies, the state of Virginia is now offering a medical marijuana program that is patient-centric and open to future improvements. Although the complete process is almost online, making sense of certain things can be a bit tricky for patients who are registering for a Virginia medical marijuana card for the very first time.

In the following step-by-step guide, CertaMD offers you an overview of how you can easily apply for your medical marijuana card in Virginia.

1. Check Your Eligibility

Before beginning the process of obtaining a medical card in Virginia, it’s essential to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria. Medical cannabis in Virginia is generally prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, cancer, glaucoma, and multiple sclerosis. To verify if your condition qualifies, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website for the most up-to-date information on eligible medical conditions.

2. Find a Certified Physician

To get a $20 medical card online in Virginia, you’ll need a recommendation from a certified physician. Search for a licensed healthcare professional in your area who is authorized to prescribe medical cannabis. Many doctors now offer telemedicine consultations, allowing you to discuss your condition with a physician online, making the process more convenient and accessible. However, finding the right doctor and booking an appointment can be quite overwhelming for someone who is doing it for the very first time.

This is where CertaMD comes to your rescue. We offer seamless appointment booking for your medical marijuana consultation right here in Virginia! Plus, you won’t find such affordable rates anywhere else.

3. Schedule and Attend Your Consultation

Once you’ve found a certified physician, schedule an appointment for a thorough consultation. If you’ve opted for CertaMD, we take care of this for you. During this meeting, you’ll discuss your medical history and current condition. If the physician determines that medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment, they will provide you with a written recommendation, which is a crucial step in obtaining your medical card.

4. Register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy

After obtaining a physician’s recommendation, your next step is to register with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. You can complete this registration online by visiting their website. Be prepared to submit necessary documents, including your physician’s recommendation, and pay a $25 registration fee. This registration is valid for one year and must be completed before applying for your medical card.

5. Submit Your Medical Card Application

With your registration, apply for your medical card through the Virginia Department of Health’s online platform. The application process requires you to provide personal details, your medical history, and the physician’s recommendation. Be sure to pay the $50 application fee, which covers processing your application.

6. Await Approval and Visit a Dispensary

After submitting your application and paying the necessary fees, the Virginia Department of Health will review your information. Upon approval, your medical card will be sent to you via email. With your card, you can visit licensed dispensaries in Virginia to purchase medical cannabis. Remember to renew your card annually to maintain access to medical cannabis.

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Important Medical Information & Disclaimers

Medical disclaimer

The information on this CertaMD page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

All medical marijuana evaluations and recommendations through CertaMD are performed exclusively by licensed U.S. healthcare providers using secure telemedicine technology, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.

Always speak with a qualified physician or other licensed healthcare professional before making decisions about your health, changing existing medications, or starting any new treatment, including medical cannabis.

Source: FDA – Cannabis Research & Drug Approval Process

Individual results and treatment response

Medical cannabis does not work the same way for every patient. Symptom relief can depend on factors such as the type of product (THC/CBD ratio, route of administration), dose, frequency of use, underlying medical conditions, concurrent medications, and lifestyle variables like diet, stress, and sleep.

Because response and tolerability vary, ongoing follow-up with your CertaMD provider is important to review benefits, monitor side effects, and adjust your treatment plan safely over time.

Source: NIH – Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids

Possible risks and side effects

Like any therapeutic option, medical marijuana can cause side effects. Commonly reported effects include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, red or irritated eyes, increased appetite, headache, and temporary problems with attention, concentration, or short-term memory.

Some patients, especially with higher-THC products, may experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, worsened mood, or perceptual changes; in rare cases, serious effects such as psychosis, significant mood changes, heart rhythm disturbances, or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (recurrent nausea and vomiting) have been reported. If you notice severe, unexpected, or persistent symptoms, stop using cannabis and contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent care.

Source: Mayo Clinic – Marijuana: Safety and Side Effects

Legal and regulatory notice

Medical marijuana programs are created and regulated at the state level, and eligibility, product access, and telemedicine rules vary by jurisdiction. Under U.S. federal law, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance, and clinicians typically “recommend” or “certify” medical cannabis use rather than prescribe it in the traditional sense.

Some states require an initial in-person visit before medical cannabis certification, while others allow both initial and renewal evaluations via telehealth; CertaMD operates within the specific requirements of each state it serves.

Sources: DEA – Controlled Substances Act

Telehealth.org – Cannabis Prescribing and Telehealth

Product quality, sourcing, and safety

For your safety, use only medical cannabis products obtained from licensed, state-regulated dispensaries that perform appropriate laboratory testing for potency and contaminants. Unregulated or illicit products may contain pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, or inaccurate THC/CBD concentrations, which can increase health risks and lead to unpredictable effects.

Ask your CertaMD clinician or dispensary pharmacist about product selection, dosing, onset and duration of effects, and how to store products safely away from children and pets.

Source: FDA – What to Know About Cannabis Products

Reporting adverse events and safety concerns

If you experience serious or unexpected side effects while using medical cannabis, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency care when appropriate.

Patients and caregivers in the United States can also report adverse events and product problems to the FDA’s MedWatch program online or by phone at
1-800-FDA-1088, which helps regulators monitor safety trends and protect public health.

Source: FDA – MedWatch Safety & Adverse Event Reporting

See how much you could save with a medical card

Note that this is an estimate of savings and does not constitute a guarantee. Additional taxes in your area or recent changes in local laws may affect these rates. Please verify current regulations in your state.

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