Frequently Asked Questions for Medical Marijuana
Do I Qualify for Medical Marijuana in the State of Kentucky?
Once a medical marijuana bill passes, there will be a variety of conditions that qualify for medical marijuana treatments in Kentucky. As of 2021, it is unclear which conditions will be on that list, however there are some conditions that are common in most states with an established medical marijuana program.
Why Do I Need a Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card?
A Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card shows that your name has been added to the Kentucky Medical Marijuana Registry by a licensed Kentucky physician. With this card, you’ll be able to:
1. Buy marijuana from dispensaries in the State of Kentucky
2. Possess Marijuana and Marijuana Products in the State of Kentucky
3. Consume Marijuana and Marijuana Products in the State of Kentucky
How Do I Get a Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card?
To obtain your Kentucky medical marijuana card, you’ll need to have a Kentucky cannabis doctor confirm that you suffer from one or more of the qualifying conditions and recommend medical marijuana as a therapeutic treatment. Our staff at Kentucky Marijuana Card will be here to simplify the process, connecting you with a certified doctor and filing all your necessary paperwork!
Am I Guaranteed to Get Approved for Medical Marijuana After Visiting a Kentucky Marijuana Doctor Office?
We can’t guarantee approval for anyone, as the doctor is the only person that makes the determination whether or not a patient qualifies. To make it more likely that you’ll receive approval from the doctor, we recommend that you bring as much information as possible to your appointment regarding your medical condition and past treatments. However, you do not have to worry as the entire cost of an appointment will be a nominal flat fee if you, for whatever reason, are not approved by the doctor.
What Conditions Make a Patient Eligible for Medical Marijuana in the State of Kentucky?
Every state is different when it comes to which conditions qualify for treatment with medical marijuana. Some the the most commonly approved conditions include the following:
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Cancer
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Multiple sclerosis
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Neurological disease or disorder (including epilepsy)
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Sickle cell anemia
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Autism
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Chronic pain
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Glaucoma
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Crohn’s disease
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Ulcerative colitis
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Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
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Severe or persistent nausea
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Terminal illness
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A condition causing severe and persistent muscle spasms
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A condition for which opiates could be prescribed
When Can I Apply for My Identification Card?
Kentucky has not set a deadline on applications just yet.
When Will I Receive My Identification Card?
Typically within 30 days of application, if your application is approved.
How Much Does A Medical Marijuana Card Cost in Kentucky?
Some doctors charge an exorbitant amount of money just for an initial examination. We feel strongly that if you qualify for medical marijuana, you shouldn't have trouble accessing it due to cost. As such, we offer a variety of payment methods, including discounts for veterans, as well as referral discounts to those who spread the word about our services. After the first appointment, all follow-ups are free for 12 months.
Where Can Patients Purchase Marijuana?
Once you have obtained a recommendation from a certified doctor and received your Kentucky marijuana card, you'll be able to purchase medical marijuana at any of the licensed dispensaries, which should be located throughout the state of Kentucky
Do I Have to Buy My Marijuana from Dispensaries?
Yes. To be protected under any state medical marijuana program, your marijuana must be labeled from a licensed medical marijuana dispensary in the state.
Can I Grow My Own Medical Marijuana?
Most likely, Kentucky medical marijuana patients will not be able to grow their own marijuana plants. This means that all medical marijuana will need to be purchased from one of the state-approved dispensary locations. However, cannabis laws are progressing quickly and patients may be able to grow their own cannabis in the future.
How Much Medical Marijuana Can Be Purchased at Dispensaries?
Kentucky legislators have not yet set caps on the amount of marijuana that can be purchased by a patient.
Will My Insurance or Medicaid Help Cover the Cost of Medical Marijuana?
We encourage you to contact your insurance provider or Medicaid official for an answer; however, we are not aware of any insurance providers that cover the costs of medical marijuana at present.
How Much Will Medical Marijuana Cost at Dispensaries?
The cost of medical marijuana will be set by each dispensary. At this point, it isn’t clear what those prices will be exactly. It is our hope that the Kentucky legislature will encourage healthy competition, thereby keeping prices low and affordable.
Does Kentucky Have Reciprocity With Other States?
Some states allow reciprocity, meaning that patients visiting from other states can purchase medical marijuana through that state’s designated program. Since we are still waiting for final laws to be passed in Kentucky, it is unclear whether or not reciprocity will be permitted.
What is a Designated Caregiver, and How Many Can I Have?
A designated caregiver is a person who is selected by a qualifying patient as the person authorized, on the qualifying patient’s behalf, to possess, obtain from a certified medical marijuana dispensary, dispense and assist in the administration of medical marijuana. Caregivers must apply for a registry card. It is not legal for caregivers to consume, by any means, medical marijuana that has been dispensed on behalf of a registered qualifying patient.
How Do I Apply To Be A Designated Caregiver?
Most state medical marijuana registries offer forms for designated caregivers to complete on their website.
Do I Need A Caregiver Card to Purchase Medical Marijuana for My Child?
Yes. Typically, qualified patients under 18 years of age cannot purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary. The legal guardian or parent is required to register as a caregiver to buy medical marijuana for a minor.
Can A Caregiver Have More Than One Patient?
Yes. Caregivers are generally permitted to serve more than one patient.
Can A Caregiver Also Be A Registered Medical Marijuana Patient?
Yes. A caregiver may be a registered qualifying patient.
Can My Employer Drug Test Me for Medical Marijuana?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes, they can. Most states do not provide protection against employer drug screening for medical marijuana card holders. It will be left to the discretion of each employer whether they wish to recognize an employee's medical marijuana approval as an exemption to company drug testing policies. However, employers are prohibited from discriminating against an individual in hiring, termination, or any term or condition of employment based on an individual’s past or present status as a caregiver or a qualifying patient.
Are Approved Patients Allowed to Smoke Marijuana?
Although dispensaries will likely be selling marijuana flowers and plant material, most states require that patients only use these products for vaporizing.
Is My Personal Information Kept Confidential?
The privacy of our patients is a top priority of ours, so we go through great lengths to ensure all patient information is protected and kept confidential in our HIPAA compliant file storage system. We also promise to never share any of your contact information with any 3rd parties.