How to Renew Your Virginia Medical Cannabis Certification
There being no requirement for a card in Virginia, renewing your medical cannabis registration will merely mean getting yourself another written certification from your practitioner prior to the expiration of your existing one. Here is precisely what you need to do to get your renewed certification.
How to Renew Your Virginia Written Certification
Renewing your Virginia medical cannabis certification generally follows these steps:
1. Schedule a renewal evaluation
Schedule a telemedicine or in-person consultation with a practitioner licensed by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. It may be your existing practitioner or a new one.
2. Complete your renewal evaluation
Your practitioner evaluates your condition and determines if the use of cannabis is still right for you.
3. Receive your updated certification
Your certification will be issued by the practitioner if you receive approval and is valid for another year after the issuance, becoming your active credential at the dispensaries.
4. Update your optional card, if applicable
If you have the optional $50 CCA patient card, you will renew that one according to the new certification.
How Often Do You Need to Renew Your Virginia Certification?
The certifications of Virginia are valid for one year from the date of issuance. Since Virginia does not mail a card that expires automatically, it would be prudent to keep track of your certification dates, especially if you have missed out on your optional CCA card.
When Should You Start Your Virginia Renewal Process?
Your renewal evaluation should be scheduled a few weeks before the expiration of your existing certification, as there will be no recourse to the non-existent recreational market in Virginia in case of expiration of the certification. There would be no legal access at all to cannabis in case of your certification expiring, which is why there is value in getting the certificate renewed before expiration.
What Does Virginia Certification Renewal Cost?
There is no state-mandated renewal fee associated with your written certification. All that you have to pay is your practitioner’s consultation fees for the renewal evaluation. The optional CCA patient card would cost an additional $50 per year for the renewal, though many people do not choose it, as it is not a requirement for the dispensary visit.
Who Can Renew Your Virginia Medical Cannabis Certification?
A renewal will involve a practitioner registered with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, which can be either a physician (MD or DO), a physician assistant licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine, or a nurse practitioner registered jointly by the Virginia Boards of Medicine and Nursing. You don’t need to return to the practitioner who initially certified you.
What Happens If Your Virginia Certification Expires?
If your Virginia written certification expiry date has passed before renewal, you’ll not be able to make purchases from any dispensary location in the state until you get a new evaluation. There is no penalty fee if you renew after expiry, but since Virginia doesn’t have an adult-use retail program, there is no legal alternative during that time period; adults aged 21 years and above can still hold possession of up to 1 oz of cannabis provided to them without compensation.
Virginia Renewal vs. a Brand-New Certification
A renewal in Virginia is, in effect, very much the same process as obtaining the certification for the first time, in that there is a practitioner’s evaluation as well as a renewal of the written certification without the need for any state fees for either process. The most notable benefit of the renewal is the fact that the practitioner knows the patient’s medical history.
Virginia Medical Marijuana Card
Why choose us
Virginia-Certified Doctors: Our team includes board-certified doctors familiar with the nuances of Virginia medical marijuana laws, ensuring you receive expert care.
Innovative Technology: We utilize the latest medical innovations to provide thorough evaluations and effective, individualized treatment plans.
Secure and Confidential: Patients in Virginia can depend on our commitment to confidentiality. Your personal data is secure with us as we ensure a safe and private process from start to finish.
Tailored Solutions: We prioritize personalized care, designing treatment plans that are specifically suited to your health conditions and personal needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to renew my Virginia medical cannabis certification every year?
Yes. Written certifications are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Is there a fee to renew in Virginia?
No mandatory state fee. You’ll only pay your practitioner’s consultation fee. The optional CCA patient card has a separate $50 fee if you choose to maintain one.
Do I need to see a doctor to renew in Virginia?
Yes. A new evaluation from a CCA-registered practitioner is required to issue an updated written certification.
Can I renew my Virginia certification online?
Yes. Renewal evaluations are commonly available via telehealth, the same way many initial certifications are conducted.
What happens if my certification expires before I renew?
You cannot legally purchase from Virginia’s licensed pharmaceutical processors until you complete a new evaluation, and since there’s no legal recreational retail market, there’s no fallback purchasing option during the gap.
Do I need to keep the optional patient card updated, too?
Yes. Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is legal statewide.
Does Virginia accept medical marijuana cards from other states?
Only if you choose to register for one. Most patients rely on their written certification alone and skip the optional card entirely.
Schedule Telemedicine Appointment
Connect with our board-certified doctors through our easy-to-use telemedicine platform. We offer personalized consultations designed to fit your unique health needs, all while ensuring your privacy and convenience.
Expert Care at Your Fingertips
24/7 Availability for Your Peace of Mind