Team Kentucky releases info on how to get your medical marijuana card in 2025
What are the requirements to qualify for a medical marijuana card?
There are a few requirements Kentuckians must meet in order to apply and receive a Kentucky medical marijuana card. They are listed below:
1) Individuals must be a Kentucky resident
2) not been convicted of a disqualifying felony offense
3) have a qualifying medical condition
4) must be at least 18 years old, however, minors can get a medical marijuana card too with legal guardian consent
A disqualifying felony offense is any that would classify the person as a violent offender under KRS 439.3401, or a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that was classified as a felony in the jurisdiction where the person was convicted. Examples include robbery in the first degree, or burglary in the first degree accompanied by the commission or attempted commission of an assault/kidnapping.
There are some exceptions to this requirement. If you have a felony drug charge related to possession of marijuana, you may still be able to get your medical marijuana card as well. Another exception is if the offense (including any term of probation, incarceration, etc.) was completed five or more years prior.
What are the steps to get approved for a Kentucky medical marijuana card?
Getting your Kentucky medical marijuana card will take three steps.
Step 1: Visit a medical cannabis practitioner and obtain a certification
You must meet in-person with a licensed physician or nurse practitioner who has completed the necessary training required in Kentucky to certify patients for medical marijuana use. The healthcare practitioner will certify you if you have at least one of the following conditions:
Any type or form of cancer
Chronic or severe pain
Epilepsy or other intractable seizure disorder
Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity
Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Step 2: Submit an application
Beginning January 1, 2025, qualifying patients will be able to submit an application for a Kentucky medical marijuana card online through the registry portal on kymedcan.ky.gov. There will also be a paper application available. You may meet with your medical marijuana doctor or nurse practitioner up to 60 days prior to your application date. The state fee to submit your application is $25.
Step 3: Receive your registry ID card
Sample of a registry ID card provided by the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services will acknowledge receipt of your application within 15 days of submission. Then, they will review the application and notify you within 30 days of receiving it if it’s been accepted or denied. Finally, the Cabinet will issue a digital medical marijuana card that you can print out. The medical marijuana ID card will expire one year after the date of issuance. If your application is denied, you will have an opportunity to appeal the decision.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program
Will an out-of-state medical marijuana license be valid in Kentucky?
Individuals with a valid out-of-state medical marijuana card can apply for a visiting qualified patient ID card to use at dispensaries in Kentucky. To get this card, individuals must be at least 21 years old, not been convicted of a disqualifying felony offense, possess a valid out-of-state medical marijuana card, and possess documentation of having been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
What information is required for a medical marijuana card application in Kentucky?
The registry identification card application form is available on the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program website. Applicants who believe they qualify should include:
Full name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, social security number and driver's license number of qualifying patient
Written certification from a medical cannabis practitioner for qualifying patient
Name, address and telephone number of the patient's medical cannabis practitioner
For those who are designating a caregiver, the full name, address, phone number, email address and date of birth of up to two individuals chosen by the patient as the caregiver
Application fee
Question on whether patients want to receive notifications from the cabinet on clinical trials surrounding medical marijuana use
An attestation to share cardholder information with licensed dispensaries and law enforcement
A notarized signature page ensuring accurate personal information, understanding of cannabis laws, etc.
How much weed can someone with a medical marijuana card possess?
An in-state qualified patient can have a 30-day supply of medical cannabis with them as long as it is contained in an unopened package and they are taking it home directly from the dispensary. Their possession limit, or what they can carry on their person, is limited to a 10-day supply. The 30-day supply limit is about four ounces, or 112 grams, of flower or 3,900 milligrams of a THC-infused products like edibles, tinctures, or oils. The 10-day supply limit is 37.5 grams of flower or 1,300 milligrams of THC-infused products like edibles, tinctures, or oils.
Where can I get more information?
Check out this qualified patient and designated caregiver guide that the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program put together.