Understanding the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program

Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated January 10, 2025

Program   |   Requirements   |   How to Apply   |   Renew   |   Dispensaries   |   Legalization   |  Summary   |   FAQs   |   Resources

Applications for the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program have been underway since January 1, 2025! Eligible residents can now get a medical card and access medical marijuana. Let’s get you prepared to join the program.

By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:

  • Is marijuana legal in Kentucky?
  • What should I know about the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program?
  • How do I apply for a Kentucky medical marijuana card online?

All the information on this page comes from the official Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program website. Therefore, you can trust that this resource is accurate and up-to-date. Let us proceed.

As of 2025, state law requires marijuana patients to have in-person doctor visits. At this time, our Kentucky doctors handle patients via telehealth only, which means they cannot certify / process Kentucky patients for medical marijuana.

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The Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program

Kentucky legalized medical cannabis on March 31, 2023, after Governor Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 47 (SB 47 Kentucky). As a result, the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program came to be. And soon, residents will be able to register for the program and access medical marijuana.

The program’s mission is to provide safe, affordable access to medical cannabis for residents with qualifying conditions.

On April 18, 2024, the program filed 17 regulations for medical cannabis operations. These regulations cover licensing and operations for cultivators, processors, producers, safety compliance facilities, and dispensaries. They also detail how patients and caregivers can get cannabis cards and written certifications from licensed practitioners.

Kentuckians have been able to register with the medical cannabis program since January 1, 2025. Now that applications are ongoing, residents know what to expect from the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program. Let’s help you get ready for your Kentucky medical marijuana card application.

Kentucky Medical Marijuana Program Requirements

To be eligible for the Kentucky medical marijuana card, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a resident of Kentucky
  • Be free from disqualifying felony offenses
  • Have a qualifying medical condition
  • Obtain a written certification from a medical marijuana doctor in KY

The Kentucky medical marijuana conditions include:

    If you meet the criteria above, you can get a written certification from a medical marijuana doctor in KY. Then, you can apply for your medical card on the Patient & Caregiver Registry Portal.

    You will also need to provide the following documentation and information when registering for your Kentucky medical card:

    • Your ID
    • Written certification from a medical marijuana doctor in KY
    • Caregiver information and attestation (if you designate a caregiver)
    • Notarized signature form

    The state fee for the Kentucky medical marijuana card costs $25 annually.

    Minor Patient Information

    Patients below 18 may also access medical marijuana in Kentucky through the program. Besides having a qualifying medical condition, minor patients must meet additional requirements for the KY medical card. 

    Minors need two medical practitioner confirmations: 

    • A written cannabis certification from a medical marijuana doctor in KY
    • Separate diagnosis documentation from a different practitioner

    Crucially, they must also have consent from a custodial parent or legal guardian.

    The Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program requires parents or legal guardians of the eligible minor to serve as the child’s caregiver. This means that they have to agree to control the acquisition, dosing, and frequency of the minor’s medical cannabis use.

    Also important, the parent/ guardian must register with the program as a caregiver and receive their medical card first. Only then can the minor patient get their medical marijuana card. The state fee for the Kentucky medical marijuana caregiver card is $25. It also costs $25 in state fees for the minor medical card.

    Caregivers in the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program

    The Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program allows adult patients to choose caregivers to help them with their marijuana treatment.

    You must meet the following requirements to qualify as a caregiver in Kentucky:

    • Be at least 21
    • Have no disqualifying felony convictions

    As mentioned earlier, parents or legal guardians of qualifying minor patients must serve as caregivers.

    Like patients, caregivers must apply with the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program. The caregiver application involves submitting personal information and necessary documentation. Importantly, your patient must designate you as their caregiver when applying for their medical card. Then, after approval, the caregiver must pay a $25 registration fee.

    Serving as a designated caregiver lets you legally purchase, possess, and assist registered patients with using medical cannabis products. It is worth noting that caregivers in Kentucky cannot serve more than three patients.

    Out-of-state MMJ Cards

    Non-residents with valid out-of-state MMJ cards can also access medical marijuana in Kentucky. Still, visitors cannot use their out-of-state medical cards to buy cannabis from state dispensaries. They must first apply for a visiting patient medical card through the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program.

    You must meet the following requirements to qualify as a visiting patient in Kentucky:

    • Be at least 21
    • Have no disqualifying felonies
    • Have a valid out-of-state MMJ card
    • Have documented proof of a qualifying condition

    The application process mirrors that for Kentucky resident patients. Non-residents must submit the necessary information and documentation during their medical card application. The state fee for the visiting patient cannabis card is $25.

    The visiting patient medical card is valid for one year, and it allows cardholders to legally buy a 10-day supply of medical cannabis every eight days.

    How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in KY

    Registrations for the Kentucky medical marijuana card have been ongoing since January 1, 2025. Here’s how to navigate the application process through the live Registry Portal:

    1. Book an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor in KY.
    2. Get your written certification (if eligible).
    3. Apply for your medical card through the Registry Portal.
    4. Pay the $25 application fee and wait for approval.
    5. Download your Kentucky medical marijuana card.

    Quick Med Cards is the cheapest and fastest way to get a medical card. The thousands of patients across 20+ states in the US can attest to it. Unfortunately, our doctors can’t certify first-time patients currently since the program requires initial certifications to be in-person visits.

    Speak with Our Medical Marijuana Doctor Today

    Same-day appointments available.

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    How to Renew Your Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card

    Your Kentucky medical marijuana card will be valid for one year. That is unless your certifying practitioner specifies an earlier expiration. 

    The renewal process is simple – you must submit the renewal application at least 30 days before your current medical card expires. 

    Follow these steps to renew your Kentucky medical card:

    1. Schedule an appointment with a licensed cannabis doctor in Kentucky.
    2. Get a written certification.
    3. Complete the renewal application through your account on the Registry Portal.
    4. Pay the $25 renewal fee.
    5. Download your KY medical card.

    Did you use another provider for your initial application? No worries! You can still use Quick Med Cards to renew your KY medical marijuana card.

    Kentucky Dispensaries

    Dispensaries are now open to cardholders, offering the following medical cannabis products:

    • Edibles
    • Oils
    • Tinctures
    • Vapes (available only to patients aged 21 and over)
    • Raw plant material labeled as “not intended for smoking” per state law

    Kentucky dispensaries will strictly regulate entry. As a result, only cardholders can access the premises. Furthermore, dispensaries must be more than 1,000 feet away from any elementary or secondary school or daycare center. Local governments may also impose extra restrictions. Despite the strict regulations, the dispensaries will be spread throughout the state to ensure every patient can access their medicine.

    Kentucky Cannabis Laws

    Medical cannabis is legal for Kentuckians, but there are some restrictions. Here are some rules you must follow according to the Kentucky cannabis laws:

    • Do not operate vehicles or machinery under the influence of medical marijuana.
    • Do not keep your medical cannabis within reach when operating machinery.
    • Do not use medical cannabis if it impairs your ability to perform tasks safely.
    • Do not possess medical cannabis on school grounds unless the institution allows it, and only school nurses or staff can administer it.
    • Do not possess or consume medical cannabis at correctional facilities or federal properties.
    • Do not smoke cannabis in Kentucky.
    • Do not grow cannabis in Kentucky unless you have a cannabis business license.

    By following these rules, you can enjoy the benefits of marijuana legalization in Kentucky without worrying about being on the wrong side of the law.

    Summary

    • Medical marijuana is legal in Kentucky, but it remains illegal for recreational use.
    • Kentuckians have been able to access medical cannabis since January 1, 2025.
    • Kentucky residents can apply for the medical cannabis program if they have a qualifying condition and no disqualifying felony offenses.
    • Minors can access medical marijuana with parental or legal guardian consent and caregiving oversight.
    • Non-residents with out-of-state MMJ cards can get medical marijuana in Kentucky if they apply and receive a visiting patient medical card.
    • The state fee for the Kentucky medical marijuana card is $25 annually.

    Common Questions about the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program

    Do you still have questions about the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program? You may find your answer below.

    Does Kentucky have a medical marijuana program?

    Yes, Kentucky has a medical marijuana program. Senate Bill 47 (SB 47 Kentucky) established the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program after Governor Andy Beshear signed the bill on March 31, 2023. The program’s mission is to provide safe, affordable access to medical cannabis for residents with debilitating medical conditions. Kentuckians have been able to register for the program since January 1, 2025.

    Does Kentucky have medical cards?

    Yes, Kentucky now offers medical marijuana cards. Since January 1, 2025, the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program has been accepting applications for medical cards from qualified patients.

    Can you get a medical marijuana card in Kentucky online?

    Yes, you can get a medical marijuana card in Kentucky online.

    Follow these steps to apply for your medical card:

    1. Receive a written certification from a medical marijuana doctor in KY.
    2. Apply for your KY medical card on the state’s Registry Portal.
    3. Download your medical card once approved.

    You can complete the entire application process online, no matter where you are in Kentucky.

    Can doctors in Kentucky prescribe marijuana?

    No, doctors in Kentucky do not prescribe marijuana. But they can certify patients for medical cannabis. Licensed cannabis doctors in Kentucky are registered physicians, osteopaths, or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) authorized by their respective licensing boards to issue cannabis certifications. All our KY medical marijuana doctors are licensed to certify patients for MMJ.

    Who qualifies for a medical card in KY?

    You qualify for a medical card in KY if you are a resident with a qualifying condition. Moreover, you must be free from a disqualifying felony offense. You will also need a written certification from a medical marijuana doctor in KY. With your certification, you can apply for a medical marijuana card through the state’s Registry Portal.

    What are the conditions for a medical marijuana card in KY?

    The Kentucky medical marijuana conditions include:

    • Cancer (all types, regardless of stage)
    • Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome that is resistant to other conventional medical treatments
    • Chronic, severe, intractable, or debilitating pain
    • Epilepsy or any other intractable seizure disorder
    • Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

     

    Can you grow marijuana in Kentucky?

    No, growing marijuana is illegal in Kentucky, even if you have a valid medical marijuana card.