Can Out-of-State Patients Buy Marijuana in Kentucky?

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Medical marijuana is legal in Kentucky, and as the program continues to grow, many visitors wonder whether they can buy marijuana while in the state if they hold a medical marijuana card from another state.

The short answer is yes, but there is a process that is required. Kentucky does not allow automatic purchases for out-of-state patients, and approval must happen before visiting a dispensary. Here’s everything you need to know.

Kentucky Does Not Automatically Accept Other States’ Cards

Kentucky does not automatically allow someone to walk into a dispensary and buy marijuana using only an out-of-state medical marijuana card. Instead, the state requires out-of-state patients to apply as a visiting qualified patient through Kentucky’s medical marijuana state program. Without this approval, purchasing marijuana in Kentucky is not allowed.

What Is a Visiting Qualified Patient?

A visiting qualified patient is someone who:

• Lives outside Kentucky

• Has a valid medical marijuana card from another state

• Applies for permission to buy marijuana while visiting Kentucky

Once approved, a visiting patient can purchase marijuana from licensed Kentucky dispensaries the same way a Kentucky patient can.

Who Can Apply as a Visiting Patient?

To qualify as a visiting patient, you must meet all of the following Kentucky medical marijuana requirements.

Age Requirement

You must be 21 years of age or older.

Valid Out-of-State Medical Marijuana Card

Your medical marijuana card from your home state must be current and active.

Qualifying Medical Condition

You must provide medical records or documents that show you have a condition that qualifies for medical marijuana use under Kentucky law.

No Disqualifying Felony Convictions

Certain felony convictions may prevent approval.

If any of these requirements are not met, the application can be denied.

How the Visiting Patient Application Works

Out-of-state patients must apply through Kentucky’s medical marijuana state system before shopping at a dispensary.

The application includes:

• Proof of your out-of-state medical marijuana card

• Medical documentation showing your qualifying condition

• A signed and notarized Visiting Qualified Patient Signature Page

• A state application fee

Applications are then reviewed by the state, which can take up to 30 days, so planning ahead and applying before your trip is important.

Once approved, you will receive confirmation through Kentucky’s Patient and Caregiver Registry Portal. Approved visiting patients can access and download their visiting patient registry card electronically, which can be printed or shown digitally at dispensaries. You will also receive an email notification when your application status changes, but Kentucky does not currently issue physical registry cards by mail.

What Can Visiting Patients Buy?

Visiting patients can buy legal medical marijuana products sold in Kentucky dispensaries. This includes approved forms such as flower, concentrates, and infused products.

There are limits on how much visiting patients can buy and possess at one time,  designed to equal about a 10-day supply. Dispensary staff can explain product options and purchase limits.

How Long Is a Visiting Patient Card Valid?

A Kentucky visiting patient card is generally valid for one year from the date it is issued.

If you plan to visit Kentucky after the card expires, it must be renewed.

Another important law to note is that marijuana purchased in Kentucky must stay within Kentucky. Transporting marijuana across state lines is not legal, even between states with medical marijuana programs.

Final Thoughts

Out-of-state patients can legally buy marijuana in Kentucky, but only after completing the required visiting patient approval process. Having a medical marijuana card from another state is an important first step, but it does not allow immediate access on its own.

Applying early, bringing a valid out-of-state medical marijuana card, medical records that confirm a qualifying condition, a government-issued photo ID, and a signed and notarized Visiting Qualified Patient Signature Page allows visiting patients to purchase marijuana legally while staying fully compliant with Kentucky law.

Access Medical Marijuana in Kentucky Now!

Medical marijuana is finally here, Kentucky, so get your marijuana card now!

Schedule your appointment today to get your marijuana card and start accessing Kentucky dispensaries as they open across the state.

Don’t wait—schedule your appointment and start your journey toward relief. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the program and dispensaries!

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Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Kentucky Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Kentucky’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.

Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (833) 781-6360 or schedule your evaluation today, and take advantage of the many benefits a medical card has to offer!

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