- Report reveals 90% of Virginia's Medical Marijuana patients obtain their drugs from unregulated out-of-state sources. High prices in Virginia stemming from local policy evolution and neighboring states' adult-use policy contribute to this trend. Comparative insights from other States grappling with similar issues, highlighting possible solutions.
According to a recent report by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA), a staggering 90% of state-certified medical marijuana (MMJ) patients are forced to purchase their cannabis products from outside Virginia. This shocking statistic highlights the rampant limitations surrounding MMJ access in Virginia and points to a burgeoning illicit drug market.
Digging into why the majority of Virginians are sourcing MMJ from non-local vendors, the prime factor is financial. In Virginia, the premium rates associated with MMJ are driving users to explore more cost-effective, albeit unregulated, solutions. A detailed analysis reveals that these inflated costs can be traced back to local regulations that have inadvertently escalated MMJ prices. Among these, perhaps the most consequential is the lack of a thorough impact assessment for price variances, resulting in unintended ripple effects on patients who rely heavily on MMJ for various health treatments.
Apart from this, Virginia's struggle to curb the black market is further exacerbated by lenient adult-use regulations in neighboring states. Subsequently, Virginians find it more budget-friendly and convenient to procure cannabis across state lines.
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