Researchers say Virginia's medical cannabis program is struggling because of high prices caused by the state's "unique policy framework."
NORFOLK, Va. — A new study released by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority is shedding light on issues with the state's medical cannabis program.
The 78-page report, which was conducted by Cannabis Public Policy Consulting (CPPC) for the Authority, found that the price of medical cannabis in Virginia is significantly higher than in other states. Because of that, researchers found that nearly 90% of patients buy their products from sources outside the Virginia medical marijuana market.
To complete the study, CPPC researchers surveyed 1,827 people as a sample of the state's general population, including 476 people who were certified medical cannabis patients. Among other criteria, they all had to live in Virginia and have used marijuana in the past year.
At least 12% of patients surveyed said they had traveled to get cannabis from other states or jurisdictions, most notably Washington, D.C. and Maryland, where prices are much lower.
The study also found that around 57% of medical marijuana patients in Virginia got cannabis by growing it at home, and 65.2% of patients got it from a friend or family member. Researchers believe that is hurting the demand for licensed producers of medical cannabis in the state.
Only 0.5% of the total state population is estimated to have enrolled in Virginia's medical cannabis program, according to the study, "further supporting the finding that individuals can meet their demand for medical cannabis elsewhere."
The findings come after the Virginia House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee requested earlier this year that the Authority study the program, focusing on patient access and the possibility of adding new licenses.
The study also comes a month before Democrats will retake full control of the Virginia General Assembly in January, where marijuana issues are expected to come up during the 2024 legislative session.
The CPPC report attributed the findings to restrictive state policies, widespread availability of cannabis from out-of-state markets, home cultivation and illicit channels.
The study's conclusion offered five ways lawmakers can help increase medical marijuana supply to lower prices and shift patient demand to regulated producers of medical cannabis. All of the suggestions focus on some sort of expansion of the types of licenses available for cannabis producers.
The full report is available on the Authority's website.
