See a Virginia-licensed practitioner by video, on your time. If cannabis may help, your written certification is issued digitally and works at every licensed dispensary in the state — including one on Fairfax Boulevard.
Virginia has streamlined its program: certifications are digital and patients no longer register with the state.
Pick a time with a Virginia-licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who certifies for medical cannabis.
Discuss your condition, symptoms, and treatment history. Your practitioner decides whether cannabis may benefit you.
Your certification lives in the CCA Portal. A dispensary scans it and checks your government ID.
Northern Virginia has several state-licensed medical dispensaries, and your certification works at all of them. These are listed by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority — see the official list for hours, phone numbers, and any new locations.
Addresses from the CCA's published list. Always confirm hours and ordering options with the dispensary before visiting.
Virginia law sets that date as the earliest retail sales can begin, for adults 21 and over.
Until retail opens, a written certification is required to purchase at any licensed dispensary.
The medical program serves patients 18 and older, plus minors with a parent or guardian's consent.
“Between the Beltway and my work calls, an office appointment wasn't realistic. I did the visit from home at lunch and stopped by the Fairfax dispensary that evening.”
— Anjali R., Fairfax“As a George Mason grad student, I liked that the practitioner explained the temporary-residency rules clearly before we got started.”
— Chris L., Fairfax CountyNo. Your practitioner decides whether you have a condition or disease that may benefit from cannabis.
Virginia-licensed MDs and DOs, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners jointly licensed by the Boards of Nursing and Medicine.
No. Virginia removed the patient registration requirement. A valid certification and government-issued ID are what a dispensary checks.
Virginia accepts temporary residents. If your ID shows another state, a lease or utility bill with your Virginia address can prove residency.
Up to one year, as set by your practitioner. You'll need a new evaluation after it expires.
On the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority website.
The City of Fairfax grew up around the Fairfax County Courthouse, built in 1800, and its Old Town still has brick sidewalks and historic buildings. Today the independent city sits surrounded by Fairfax County, next to George Mason University and a short drive from the Beltway and I-66. Residents of both the city and the county follow the same statewide medical cannabis process as all Virginians.
Section 54.1-3408.3 of the Code of Virginia allows licensed physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to issue written certifications. The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority oversees the program and issues certifications through its CCA Portal.
When retail sales begin, the medical program is set to continue for patients who rely on it. Follow the Cannabis Control Authority for updates.
Telehealth visits with Virginia-licensed practitioners.