Does chronic pain 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 chronic pain 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 chronic pain
Stronger evidence. The National Academies found substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults. Most trials looked at neuropathic pain and measured modest reductions in pain scores, and many patients use cannabis to cut back on other medications.
Symptoms Virginia patients most often hope to ease:
- Persistent aching or burning pain
- Nerve pain such as tingling, shooting or electric sensations
- Pain that keeps you from sleeping
- Muscle tension and spasms
- Side effects or limited relief from current pain medicines
Read more: medical marijuana for chronic pain.
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.
Chronic pain in nearby states
- Chronic pain in Maryland
- Chronic pain in Washington, D.C.
- Chronic pain in West Virginia
- Chronic pain in Kentucky
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for chronic pain?
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.