Research shows that cannabis, or marijuana, can be beneficial in combating the side-effects of cancer treatment, including nausea, appetite loss, and pain. VBCF believes breast cancer patients should have access to all potentially useful tools during their treatment journey, including medical cannabis.
Disclaimer: While cannabis can be used as a complementary therapy during and after cancer treatment to help alleviate symptoms, there is no clinical evidence that it can be used to cure cancer.
Is Medical Cannabis available in Virginia?
Yes. VBCF was the only cancer organization in the Commonwealth to advocate for expanded access to medical cannabis in Virginia. In March 2018, Governor Ralph Northam signed into law a bill that lets Virginia’s registered health practitioners (MD, DO, PA, or NP) recommend the use of cannabidiol oil or THC-A oil for the treatment of any diagnosed condition or disease. As of July 1, 2020, possession of authorized medical cannabis products by those registered to participate in the state’s program are provided explicit statutory legal protection.
What do you need to get access to medical cannabis?
As of July 1, 2022, medical cannabis patients, or caregivers will no longer be required to register with Virginia’s Board of Pharmacy (BOP) before obtaining cannabis.
However, patients are still required to have a valid, written certification from a BOP-registered medical provider or practitioner (e.g. physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant).
If you are considering medical cannabis, talk with your health provider. Your practitioner can provide a written certification for you if they have registered with the Board of Pharmacy. If they haven’t registered and are not planning to, you can find a provider who is already certified here.
For more information:
Obtaining Medical Cannabis in Virginia – Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
Where can I get medical cannabis?
Virginia patients and caregivers are able to get medical cannabis products at one of the processing and distribution facilities across the state. Keep in mind that these businesses operate on a cash-only basis due to existing federal restrictions on marijuana. Some individual locations may have other payment systems available, so check with your location before you go for your options.
Northern Virginia (Manassas)
https://beyond-hello.com/virginia-dispensaries/
Southwest Virginia (Bristol)
https://risecannabis.com/dispensary-locations/virginia/
Central Virginia (Richmond)
https://www.gleaf.com/virginia/
Eastern Virginia (Portsmouth & Virginia Beach)
https://col-care.com/location/virginia/
Additional Resources
https://www.sharecancersupport.org/cannabis-and-cbd-for-cancer-video
https://www.safeaccessnow.org/patient_resources
Need Help? VBCF is here for you.
Connect with our Resource Coordinator, Nikki Jennings. Call 1-800-345-8223, email help@vbcf.org or click the chat bubble at the lower right of this page.
