Sunlight Ep 1 - Virginia Medical Cannabis Program - From the Peaceful American - https://www.peacefulamerican.com - 

Virginia Medical Cannabis Program - How It Works and Its Positive Impact on Patients.

The Virginia Medical Cannabis Program has emerged as a significant resource for patients seeking alternative therapies for a variety of medical conditions. Since its establishment, the program has focused on improving the quality of life for Virginians through safe access to medical cannabis products. Let's dive into how the program works, its intended uses, the reasons for its establishment, and the positive contributions it has made to healthcare in Virginia.

Background.

The Virginia Medical Cannabis Program was officially established in 2017 with the passage of Senate Bill 701, which allowed for the legal use of medical cannabis oils containing at least 15% cannabidiol (CBD) and no more than 5% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Initially restrictive, the program has since evolved to become more inclusive, now allowing registered patients to access a wider range of cannabis products for medical purposes.

The program was designed to address the growing body of evidence supporting the use of cannabis for managing chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, epilepsy, and other medical conditions. The expansion of legal access to medical cannabis was driven by advocacy from patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers who recognized the therapeutic potential of cannabis in addressing conditions that conventional treatments sometimes fail to manage effectively.

How the Program Works.

The Virginia Medical Cannabis Program operates under the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) and includes a network of licensed providers and dispensaries. Here’s a breakdown of the key components of the program -

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  Patient Registration: To qualify for the program, patients must be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a licensed healthcare provider. The provider must then issue a written certification recommending medical cannabis treatment.
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• Obtaining Certification: Patients receive certification from a registered healthcare provider who is authorized to recommend medical cannabis, such as CannabisMD Telemed. The certification is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. This certification gives you access to a Medical Cannabis digital card from VCCA Virginia Cannabis Control Authority via email which can be used to purchase Medical Cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
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• Registration with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority VCCA: After receiving certification, patients have the option to register with the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority and obtain a Medical Cannabis Registration Card, with a nominal yearly fee, which also allows them to purchase products from licensed dispensaries.
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• Licensed Dispensaries: Virginia currently has several licensed medical cannabis dispensaries located across the state, such as Beyond Hello. These dispensaries provide a variety of products, including oils, tinctures, capsules, flowers, creams, and edibles. Patients can call or visit these dispensaries and consult with pharmacists, on location or online, who specialize in medical cannabis to determine the appropriate product and dosage for their needs.

Product Diversity and Safety: The program ensures that products meet stringent quality and safety standards. Products are tested for potency, contaminants, and consistency to guarantee patient safety. Dispensaries also offer educational resources to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.

Medical Uses and Benefits.

The Virginia Medical Cannabis Program was primarily established to serve patients with chronic and debilitating conditions who have found limited relief from traditional therapies. Since its inception the program has expanded significantly. Key medical uses of cannabis under the program include -

• Chronic Pain Management: Cannabis has proven effective in reducing chronic pain, particularly for patients with conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and neuropathic pain.
• Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders: Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with epilepsy.
• PTSD and Anxiety Disorders: Many veterans and trauma survivors use medical cannabis to manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, where other medications may be insufficient or have undesirable side effects.
• Cancer and Chemotherapy-Related Symptoms: Cannabis is used to alleviate nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and appetite loss associated with cancer treatments, providing relief to patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases: Medical cannabis has shown potential in treating symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease by improving muscle control, reducing spasms, and mitigating cognitive decline.

Why Was the Program Established.

The establishment of the Virginia Medical Cannabis Program was driven by the need to offer patients access to safe and effective alternative treatments. The program was built on the following foundations -

• Patient Advocacy: Advocacy groups and patients with debilitating conditions were crucial in pushing for legislation to legalize medical cannabis. The goal was to create a compassionate system that allowed people to explore new treatment options legally and safely.
• Public Health and Safety: By legalizing and regulating medical cannabis, Virginia aimed to control and oversee the production and distribution of cannabis products. This ensured that patients were not forced to rely on unregulated and potentially unsafe sources.
• Scientific Research and Evidence: The growing body of scientific research highlighting the potential medical benefits of cannabis, along with successful programs in other states, motivated Virginia to develop its own regulated program.

Impact and Ethical Work in the Community.

The Virginia Medical Cannabis Program has had a positive impact in several ways -

• Improved Patient Outcomes: The program has improved the quality of life for thousands of Virginians by providing effective relief for conditions that may not have responded well to traditional treatments. Patients now have a legal, safe, and consistent source of medicine that can be tailored to their specific needs.
• Support for Healthcare Providers: The program has empowered healthcare providers to explore new treatments for their patients. Providers are now bette...