FAQ: Medical Marijuana in Kentucky

You must first get approved by an authorized medical cannabis practitioner, and then submit an application to the state. We will help you with the entire process, ending with you receiving your medical marijuana card! You can make an appointment at one of our many offices CLICKING HERE.

You must be a resident of Kentucky and either at least 18 years of age or have an assigned caregiver; not been convicted of a disqualifying felony offense and have a written certification from a medical practitioner indicating that you have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition and would benefit from the treatment of medical cannabis.

The following conditions would qualify you for your Kentucky medical marijuana card: any type or form of cancer; chronic severe, intractable, or debilitating pain; epilepsy or any other intractable seizure disorder; multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity; chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting; or post-traumatic stress disorder.

The cost to get approved by the doctor or nurse practitioner for your Kentucky medical marijuana certification is $199. You can pay with any major debit or credit card, or cash. There will be a $25 state application fee to pay as well.

You can purchase and possess any type of medical marijuana product with a valid Kentucky medical marijuana card. This includes flower, edibles, tinctures, vape pens, and wax. However, smoking marijuana will be prohibited under Senate Bill 47. Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky lawmakers crafted this legislation to ensure patients can access the medicine they need while maintaining public health standards.

There are no guaranteed employer protections with your Kentucky medical marijuana card. For now, whether or not your documentation is recognized is at your employer’s discretion. However, your Kentucky medical marijuana card does offer legal protections from criminal prosecution and from those dealing with child custody cases and child welfare determinations.

Not just any doctor can perform the medical marijuana evaluation; they must have special authorization from the state. Our Kentucky licensed physicians and nurse practitioners are here to help though! Our medical marijuana doctors can evaluate you, and ultimately certify you for a medical marijuana card.

Each state has its own rules and regulations when it comes to marijuana. For example, Illinois and Ohio do not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards, but Michigan and Missouri do.

Dispensaries are allowed to open after January 1, 2025. Once the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program is fully operational, patients will be able to purchase cannabis products from licensed medical cannabis businesses across the state. These businesses will include dispensaries, cultivation centers, and manufacturing facilities. Local governing bodies will oversee these establishments to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations. Dispensaries must be located at least 1,000 feet away from an existing elementary or secondary school or a daycare center.

No, you cannot legally grow your own marijuana plants even with a Kentucky medical marijuana card. Instead, all cannabis products must be obtained through licensed medical cannabis businesses in Kentucky. The state has created a framework for regulating the cultivation, processing, and distribution of medical cannabis to qualified patients.

Governor Beshear’s Executive Order pardons anyone who on or after January 1, 2023, is accused of the crime of possession of marijuana. The governor has instructed law enforcement to not arrest individuals who meet the requirements outlined in the order.