Does cancer qualify for a medical card in Virginia?
Very likely. Virginia doesn't limit certification to a fixed list — providers can recommend cannabis for conditions they believe it will help. That includes patients with cancer when the provider agrees it's appropriate.
Yes; there is no condition list, and the practitioner decides whether any diagnosed condition or disease may benefit from cannabis.
About cancer
Stronger evidence. The National Academies found conclusive evidence that oral cannabinoids prevent and treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. There is not enough evidence that cannabis treats or cures cancer.
Symptoms Virginia patients most often hope to ease:
- Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
- Loss of appetite and unwanted weight loss
- Cancer-related pain
- Burning or tingling nerve pain from chemotherapy
- Trouble sleeping
Read more: medical marijuana for cancer.
How to get certified in Virginia
- Find a Virginia-licensed MD, DO, physician assistant or nurse practitioner who issues medical cannabis certifications.
- Have an in-person or real-time video visit where the practitioner confirms you have a diagnosed condition that may benefit from cannabis.
- Receive your written certification, which the practitioner now creates in the CCA Portal and you can save or print.
- Optionally register with the CCA in the portal for a $50 patient card; parents, guardians and registered agents register for $25 when required.
- Take your certification and a valid photo ID to a licensed pharmaceutical processor or dispensary to buy products.
Virginia allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see a Virginia-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: No fee required; optional patient registration is $50
- Card lasts: Certification valid up to 1 year; optional registration renews annually
- Processing: No registry wait — certificate works right away
- Patient limit: No separate medical possession limit stated; adults 21+ may possess up to 1 oz under adult-use law
- Home grow: Not allowed
- Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
- First visit online: Yes
See the full Virginia cost breakdown and Virginia program overview.
Cancer in nearby states
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for cancer?
How long does certification take in Virginia?
Can I renew online in Virginia?
Sources
- Patients, Parents/Legal Guardians, and Registered Agents - Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
- Code of Virginia 4.1-1601 - Certification for use of cannabis for treatment
- Code of Virginia 4.1-1603 - Dispensing cannabis products
- 3VAC10-20-20 - Patient, parent, legal guardian or registered agent registration fee
- Paperless Process Coming for Medical Cannabis Certifications - Virginia CCA
- Virginia Cannabis Control Authority home page
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.