​Medical marijuana, also referred to as "cannabis", is a prescription-based product from the flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant that is used to ease symptoms caused by certain medical conditions.
The cannabis plant has over 100 cannabinoids including THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the primary compound in the cannabis plant and is responsible for most of the physiological effects.
Yes! The state started accepting patient applications on January 1, 2025, and we are currently seeing patients at our Lexington and Louisville locations. Book your appointment today!
There are a variety of conditions that qualify for medical marijuana Kentucky.
Here are the qualifying conditions that are approved for medical marijuana treatment:
To get your Kentucky medical marijuana recommendation, one of our certified cannabis doctors must confirm that you have a qualifying condition and recommend medical marijuana as a treatment. Our team at Kentucky Marijuana Card makes the process easy by connecting you with a certified doctor and handling all the paperwork! To qualify, you must: Be a Kentucky resident and at least 18 years old or have an assigned caregiver; Not have been convicted of a disqualifying felony offense; Have a written certification from a medical practitioner for a qualifying condition. Check out our How to Qualify page for more information!
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.
Click here for help obtaining your medical records.
Kentucky has approved several qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, including: Any type or form of cancer, regardless of stage; Chronic or debilitating pain; Epilepsy or any other seizure disorder; Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity; Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome resistant to other treatments; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Any other condition determined by the Kentucky Center for Cannabis. Check out our How to Qualify page for more information.
We believe cost shouldn't stop you from getting the relief you need! Our evaluations are affordable, and we offer various payment methods, including discounts for veterans and referrals. Plus, after your first appointment, all follow-ups are free for 12 months. Call us at 833-781-6360 to learn about our special discounted pricing before dispensaries open!
Yes. With qualified patients under 18 years, a legal guardian or parent is required to register as a caregiver. Here are the requirements regarding caregivers:
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Must provide the name, address and date of birth of no more than two individuals chosen by the qualified patient to be designated as a caregiver, if the patient chooses to use one.
Must provide a statement, signed by the qualified patient, pledging not to divert medicinal cannabis to anyone who is not permitted to possess it. This statement will include a list of potential penalties, including criminal prosecution, for illegally distributing medical cannabis. The patient’s caregivers must sign similar forms.
Must submit an application or renewal fee for a registry identification card for a qualified patient. This includes an additional fee for cards granted to caregivers.
Read more here: https://kymedcan.ky.gov/patients-and-caregivers/Documents/2024-03-14%20Minor%20Patient%20-%20Quick%20Reference%20Guide%20v.1.pdf
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, dispense and assist in the administration of medical marijuana from a certified medical marijuana dispensary. It is not legal for caregivers to consume, by any means, medical marijuana that has been dispensed on behalf of a registered qualifying patient.
Kentucky's state medical marijuana registry offer forms for designated caregivers to complete on their website. Learn more by reading this reference guide.
Great news! Medical marijuana products will be available at Kentucky dispensaries later this year, likely by Fall 2025. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when they officially open!
Once dispensaries open, you can buy edibles, oils, tinctures, vapes, and raw plant material with a valid medical marijuana card. Note: SB 47 only allows vapes for cardholders over 21 and bans smoking raw plant material. All raw plant materials must be labeled "not intended for consumption by smoking."
Smoking marijuana is not allowed under Kentucky's current medical marijuana laws.
​Licensed medical marijuana dispensaries will be located throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Once the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program is fully operational, patients will be able to purchase marijuana products from licensed medical marijuana businesses across the state. Local governing bodies will oversee these establishments to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations. Dispensary locations will be required to be located further than 1,000 feet of an existing elementary or secondary school or a daycare center and may be subject to additional restrictions by local governments. Check out our dispensary page for more info!
Additionally, the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program is providing a zoning tool to assist proposed cannabis businesses, local governments, and citizens with evaluating where cannabis businesses may be located. The tool can be found here​.
​Registered qualified patients that have a current medical card will be able to possess a 30-day supply. Designated caregivers that have a current medical card will be able to purchase a 30-day supply for each patient they are assigned to. Visiting qualified patients with a current medical card can purchase a 10-day supply.
We've heard that neighboring states may honor a Kentucky medical marijuana recommendation. However, 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.
Please see Executive Order 2022-798 for more information on obtaining medical marijuana outside of Kentucky.
Governor Beshear’s Executive Order 2022-798 is a game-changer! It pardons anyone accused of marijuana possession from January 1, 2023, onwards. If you’ve legally bought medical marijuana in another state and have proof of purchase plus a certification from a licensed healthcare provider, you’re in the clear! This order is a huge step towards safe, legal access to medical marijuana in Kentucky, offering immediate relief while the state sets up its program. It’s all about protecting you from unnecessary criminal charges!
No, growing marijuana at home is not permitted in Kentucky, even for registered medical marijuana patients. Under the state’s medical marijuana program, which took effect on January 1, 2025, patients are required to obtain their marijuana products through licensed dispensaries.
Kentucky law treats home cultivation as a criminal offense, with penalties depending on the number of plants:
Fewer than five plants: Considered a Class A misdemeanor on a first offense, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $500. Subsequent offenses are elevated to a Class D felony.
Five or more plants: Treated as a Class D felony on a first offense, carrying a sentence of one to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Subsequent offenses are charged as Class C felonies.
Yes. However, it is important to note that you cannot:
Operate any vehicle or machinery while under the influence of medical marijuana
Consume medical marijuana while in control of a vehicle or machinery
Possess medical marijuana that is within arm's reach or requires less than a two-step process to access while operating any machinery or transportation device
Check out our recent blogs for some more information.
Not every doctor is authorized to perform a medical marijuana evaluation in Kentucky. Only healthcare providers with specific state authorization can certify patients for medical marijuana use - that’s where we come in! Our team of licensed physicians and nurse practitioners in Kentucky are specially trained and approved to help you through the process.
We take the time to review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and determine if you qualify under the state’s guidelines. If you meet the requirements, our medical marijuana doctors can provide the certification you need to apply for your medical marijuana card. From start to finish, we’re here to make the process simple, professional, and stress-free, helping you get the relief you deserve legally and safely.
Yes, they can. It's up to each employer to decide if they recognize medical marijuana approval as an exemption to drug testing policies. However, employers can't discriminate against you in hiring, firing, or any employment terms based on your status as a caregiver or qualifying patient. Learn more in our recent blogs.
The privacy of our patients is a top priority of ours, and we go through great lengths to ensure all patient information is protected and kept confidential in our file storage system. We also promise to never share any of your contact information with any 3rd parties.