As the state of Virginia is looking to legalize marijuana, more and more medical marijuana dispensaries are opening their doors in the region. In the past few weeks and months alone, three medical dispensaries have opened its doors to MMJ patients in Virginia in attempts to cater to the increased demands and needs of the people.
Among the first three companies to do so are Dharma Pharmaceuticals in Bristol, Green Leaf Medical in Richmond, and BEYOND/HELLO located in Manassas. Dharma Pharmaceuticals first opened its dispensary in October 2020, followed by Green Leaf Medical in the last week of November 2020.
The opening of all three dispensaries comes as Virginia changed its laws to decriminalize those who have access to CBD-dominant extract products. Under the reformed legislation which first occurred in 2015, patients whose physicians have recommended cannabis as a primary form of treatment or management tool may possess up to 90 days’ worth of products under their name.
Low-THC medical cannabis was allowed to be used for the treatment of those suffering from intractable epilepsy, provided these contained no more than five percent of THC. It was only in 2018 when marijuana products gained legality in the state, expanding the bill to include not just epilepsy patients, but all patients who could benefit from the drug.
This 2020, five years since the amended legislation have been put into place, the state of Virginia is proud to offer patients what they need. In a statement to NORML in October of this year, Jenn Michelle Padini, Development Director of NORML said, “Five long years after beginning the legislative process to bring medical cannabis to Virginians, we are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of the Commonwealth’s first dispensary.”
“This day could not come soon enough for the thousands of Virginians who have been waiting patiently for in-state access to safe, regulated products. Virginia NORML has been on the front lines of this effort every step of the way, and I’m so proud of our members’ tireless work to make this a reality,” continued Padini.
As part of the medical cannabis dispensaries’ commitment to making their products more available and accessible to customers, these companies are providing their own home delivery operations. This allows MMJ patients to easily obtain medication designed to address their specific conditions.
Existing Weed Delivery Rules in Virginia
Medical marijuana dispensaries are only accessible to licensed patients recognized by the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy. For those living in the Commonwealth, the state law maintains that any individual diagnosed with any condition can obtain and qualify for medical cannabis treatment. However, this will only hold true provided the medical practitioner or the physician in question issues a certification that allows the patient to be treated using medical marijuana.
Given that the state has already decriminalized the drug to some degree, the new laws in place ensure that individuals in possession of small amounts of cannabis designed for personal consumption would not be subjected to having a criminal record nor prison time.
Deliveries have become a mainstay in the new norm, alongside curbside pickups and even telemedicine services. Most dispensaries in the state are now allowing product deliveries either on the same day or have it shipped, the latter of which takes a few days prior to receiving your package.
How Weed Delivery Changed the Game
The virus pandemic has greatly changed the way the cannabis industry conducted its business. From its in-person interactions with patients and users in the community to the services being afforded, it cannot be denied that the worldwide incident has impacted not only the business but the lives of many people around the globe.
Thankfully, alongside the digitization of services came decriminalization and the movement towards legalization. This entails that dispensaries are offering products and services in a more confident light. May it be displaying products clearly and properly, labeling items, and becoming more open to conversation, the changing tide is paving the way for a brighter future.
Technology has also adapted to the times, especially now that people are staying more indoors. Many established companies and startups alike have allowed their medical marijuana dispensaries to venture into cannabis delivery.
One of the ways that weed delivery changed the marijuana industry for the better is that it furthered the accessibility and convenience of cannabis products in the industry. Where once these were only accessible through physical stores, purchases can now be delivered at home with just the click of a button. At the very core, it preserves safe patient access across various levels, overcoming hurdles such as lack of transportation.
Besides offering hassle-free services, it also shows the dedication of those involved in the cannabis industry just how dedicated they are in extending and catering to the needs of their clients with delivery services and even curbside pick-up.
More than this, it provides an added element of safety and security, particularly to the more vulnerable patients and sectors in society such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and individuals who suffer from mobility restrictions. Leaving the products on your doorstep without the need for physical contact, it reduces the chances of getting the virus or from having to exert much effort. It also offers superior privacy, allowing clients to enjoy their cannabis products without the hullaballoo.
Getting Cannabis Products in Virginia
Get Weed Delivery Services
There are many concerns about weed delivery, especially for those who have yet to experience the service themselves. Thankfully, what is great about these types of services is that cannabis products are thoroughly checked at every point, ensuring that strict controls are in place to maintain the quality of products and services.
With numerous weed delivery services popping up in Virginia alone, you can rest assured that you get safer and high-quality products, rather than being restricted solely to what the black market has to offer.
By utilizing weed delivery services for your needs, you are not only making the whole buying process much easier, but you are also streamlining the overall process. However, in choosing services providers and medical marijuana dispensaries to deliver your products, make sure to find one that does door-to-door delivery or those that same-day deliveries, especially for emergency situations. This ensures you that all of your needs are taken care of without having to leave the comforts of your own home.
Consider Curbside Pick-Ups
If you are still iffy about totally switching to deliveries, we get you. To get on the middle ground, why not try a curbside pick-up service? This allows you to get the items you have ordered on the curbside rather than entering the store.
This option is a great compromise to see how well the dispensary works and if they stay on top of the numerous orders they receive from different types of customers. Plus, this also serves as a great way to minimize contact while still ensuring that you have received all of the necessary items under your list.
To do this, make sure to check if your preferred store offers curbside or scheduled pick-ups. Let them know about your orders beforehand so you can minimize your waiting time as well, particularly during a time when public health safety and security is at stake.
Do Private Meet-Ups
Unfortunately, despite having delivery services available, there simply are just some products that are not eligible for delivery. Whatever these products might be, private meet-ups might be your best bet. This allows you to purchase your cannabis goods at a much closer location while having space and time mostly to yourself.
Not all dispensaries offer this kind of service, so make sure to see if your medical marijuana dispensary provides this type of service for their clients. Besides getting the order yourself and at a much faster pace, you will also have the opportunity to discuss more marijuana products with personnel who are knowledgeable about what they are selling.
Visit In-Store
Many individuals are still scared to go outside and for good reason. There is, after all, still a pandemic happening. With the marijuana industry touted as one of the essential businesses that can operate, it can be surprising to see them operating.
Although it is not business as usual for these companies, they have certainly adapted to the needs and the call of the times. In-store visits are now more secure than ever, what with sanitation practices observed every so often in an hour.
What’s more, there are also enhanced safety protocols in place. From placing plastic or acrylic shields, encouraging the use of credit or debit cards for payments, to getting temperatures and observing contact tracing practices, in-store visits have now dramatically changed for the better.
Final Thoughts
The opening of new medical marijuana dispensaries in various parts of Virginia is only the start of fulfilling the needs of many MMJ patients in the Commonwealth. With dispensaries offering a more varied range of products and making these more accessible through weed delivery, patients in the state can now easily access their orders through a safer and more secure manner.