Understanding the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program
Medical content reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya on May 17, 2024
Program | Requirements | How to Apply | Renew | Dispensaries | Legalization | Summary | FAQs | Resources
It is almost time to get a medical marijuana card in Kentucky! Starting January 1, 2025, eligible residents can register with the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program and finally have access to MMJ. So, let’s get you ready.
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.
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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.
Currently, Kentuckians cannot register with the medical cannabis program until January 1, 2025. However, as the date fast approaches, there is an idea of what residents can expect from the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program. So, for now, we will help you prepare 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:
- You must be a resident of Kentucky.
- You must be free from disqualifying felony offenses.
- Have a qualifying medical condition.
- Get a written certification from a medical marijuana doctor in KY.
The Kentucky medical marijuana conditions include:
- Cancer (all types, regardless of stage)
- Chronic nausea or cyclic vomiting that is unresponsive to conventional 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)
If you meet the criteria above, you can get a written certification from a medical marijuana doctor in KY. Then, you can register with the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program once they launch the 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.
To qualify as a caregiver in Kentucky:
- You must 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.
To qualify as a visiting patient in Kentucky, you must:
- 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
You cannot get a Kentucky medical marijuana card until January 1, 2025. So, here is how to navigate the application process once the Registry Portal is live.
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. We can’t wait for January 1, 2025, to help you get your Kentucky medical marijuana card and experience wellness through cannabis treatment.
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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
Medical marijuana dispensaries in Kentucky will begin operations after January 1, 2025–when the program commences. Dispensaries will be open to cardholders to access a variety of medical cannabis products. For example,
- Edibles,
- Oils,
- Tinctures,
- Vapes (Only available 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.
Is Marijuana Legal in Kentucky?
Yes, marijuana is legal for medical use in Kentucky. However, recreational marijuana remains illegal. On March 31, 2023, Governor Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 47, legalizing medical cannabis for Kentuckians. Despite legalization, Kentuckians must wait until January 1, 2025, to get medical marijuana.
Kentucky Cannabis Laws
Starting January 1, 2025, medical cannabis will be available to Kentuckians, but there are some restrictions. Here are some rules you must follow according to the Kentucky cannabis laws:
- You cannot operate vehicles or machinery under the influence of medical marijuana.
- You should not keep your medical cannabis within reach when operating machinery.
- Do not use medical cannabis if it impairs your ability to do tasks safely.
- Do not possess medical cannabis on school grounds unless the institution allows it. Also, only school nurses or appropriate staff can administer medicinal marijuana in schools.
- Cannabis laws in Kentucky prohibit the possession and consumption of MMJ at correctional facilities or federal properties.
- Smoking cannabis in Kentucky is illegal.
- Growing cannabis in Kentucky is illegal 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.
- Despite legalization, Kentuckians must wait until January 1, 2025, to access medical cannabis.
- Kentucky residents can register with the state’s medical cannabis program starting January 1, 2025. They must have a qualifying condition and be free from disqualifying felony offenses.
- The Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program allows minors to access medical marijuana. However, the minors’ parents/ legal guardians must consent to the treatment and serve as caregivers.
- Non-residents with out-of-state MMJ cards may get medical marijuana in Kentucky. But only 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 can register for the program starting January 1, 2025.
Does Kentucky have medical cards?
Yes, Kentucky will have medical cards starting January 1, 2025. On that date, the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program will begin accepting applications for medical cards from qualified patients.
Can you get a medical marijuana card in Kentucky online?
Yes. Starting January 1, 2025, you can get a medical marijuana card in Kentucky online. First, you must receive a written certification from a medical marijuana doctor in KY. With Quick Med Cards, a licensed cannabis practitioner can assess and issue you with a certification in a few minutes over a video call–thanks to telemedicine. Next, apply for your KY medical card on the state’s Registry Portal. Later, you can download your medical card after approval. So, you can complete the entire application process online, regardless of 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)
You are eligible for a KY medical card if you have any of these illnesses. Schedule an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors in KY and get your certification.
Can you grow marijuana in Kentucky?
No, growing marijuana is illegal in Kentucky, even if you have a valid medical marijuana card.
Patient Resources and Forms
How to Contact the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program
State Agency: Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Address:
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40621
Contact form: https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/CHFS/KYMEDCAN/