There are three new laws in Virginia that are intended to expand access to patients in the state’s medical marijuana program. The bills, SB1557, SB1719, and companion bills HB1720 and SB1632, took effect on July 1st.
Senator Dunnavant’s SB1557 bill, which took affect on July 1st, now allows for patients to expect to see products typical of compounding pharmacies, like capsules, topicals, lozenges, lollipops, and suppositories, with an allowance of up to 10 milligrams of THC each.
“The historic passage of my Let Doctors Decide bill in 2018 allows practitioners to recommend medical cannabis for their patients as they see fit,” said Senator Dunnavant. “This year, my focus was on program improvements to further expand both access and therapeutic value to benefit the health and well-being of all Virginians.”
SB1557 also allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to register with the Board of Pharmacy to issue the necessary written certifications for medical cannabis to patients.
“Patient access is critical to the success of Virginia’s medical cannabis program,” remarked Jenn Michelle Pedini, NORML’s development director and executive director of Virginia NORML.
“These bills help ensure that all patients are able to obtain and use the necessary therapeutic doses of their cannabis medicines regardless of location or physical ability.”
Senator Marsden’s SB1719 adds “registered agents” for those patients physically unable to pick up or receive delivery of their medical cannabis, like those in hospice, assisted living facilities, and those who rely on home healthcare providers.
Companion bills HB1720 (Delegate Chris Hurst) and SB1632 (Senator Glen Sturtevant) allows the state to allow school healthcare providers to administer medical cannabis to registered student patients just as they would any other medication.
“Virginia is moving in the right direction to ensure patients and doctors can choose treatments that are right for them. I’m proud that HB1720 will allow students on campus to legally and safely access their medication” said Delegate Hurst of District 12.
