Kentucky medical marijuana card FAQ

Patients under 18 years old or disabled can designate a caregiver under the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program. Caregivers can be designated by patients who are unable to use medical cannabis responsibly.

The Kentucky Medical Marijuana Program plans to keep all medical marijuana records private and in line with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and KRS218B.135. In Kentucky, employers may request access to a patient's medical marijuana records. Law enforcement agencies might also need access to confidential records.

The healthcare practitioners that can prescribe medical marijuana in Kentucky include doctors of osteopathy or medicine, and advanced practice registered nurses.

Residents and non-residents can get a Kentucky medical marijuana card. Non-residents can receive an out-of-state registry identification card valid for one year. However, they must satisfy certain requirements to qualify as visiting patients.

No, health insurance does not cover medical marijuana costs in Kentucky. Patients are recommended to contact their provider. 

You can buy medical marijuana at licensed dispensaries in Kentucky once the legal sale begins in January 2025.

When visiting a medical marijuana dispensary, you need a valid medical cannabis registry identification card.

To apply for a medical marijuana card in Kentucky, you need first to obtain a medical marijuana certification. Dr. Weedy offers an online evaluation at $179, with a guaranteed refund in case of denial. The cost of a medical registry identification card in Kentucky is $25. This is the same fee for minors, caregivers and out-of-state patients which is paid directly to the state.

Your medical marijuana card will be valid for one year from the date of issuance. To apply for a registry identification card, an initial written certification for medical cannabis is valid for 60 days. The issuing medical cannabis practitioner may renew this certification up to three additional 60-day periods. After this, a new initial written certification requires an in-person or telehealth examination by the practitioner.

Qualifying medical marijuana patients who are under 18 years old can get a Kentucky medical cannabis card once their parent or legal guardian registers with the program. 

Once the guardian consents, the minor must meet additional requirements to register with the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program. These include:

• Being a Kentucky resident with a qualifying medical condition.
• Providing a written certification from a registered medical cannabis practitioner.
• Submitting additional documentation of the qualifying condition from a second medical practitioner.

The guardian must serve as the designated caregiver, managing the acquisition, dosage, and frequency of the minor’s cannabis use. They must also submit a written agreement allowing their ward to use medical cannabis and confirm they have been informed of the associated risks and side effects.

After meeting these criteria, the guardian can complete the minor’s registration by submitting the required application, supporting documentation, and a $25 fee. Patients under 18 should also review their school’s policies regarding the use and possession of medical cannabis on school property. Note that SB 47 restricts products intended for vaporizing to cardholders aged 21 and older.

To register with the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program, follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Certification: Start by obtaining a medical cannabis certification from a licensed medical cannabis practitioner.
2. Complete the Application Form: Visit the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program's official website to access the registry identification card application form.
3. Provide the Required Information: Complete the application form with the following details:
   • Full name, address, telephone number, email address, date of birth, Social Security number, and driver's license number.
   • The name, address, and telephone number of your medical cannabis practitioner.
   • The written certification issued by your medical cannabis practitioner.
4. Pay the Application Fee: Submit the $25 application fee for a qualified patient.
5. Sign and Notarize the Pledge: Sign a notarized statement pledging not to divert medical cannabis to anyone who is not legally permitted to possess it.
6. Submit the Application: Once completed, submit your application form along with all required documents and fees through the designated process on the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program website.

If you require a caregiver to assist you, additional steps and forms are outlined in the "Designated Caregiver Questions" section of the program's website.

The documents required for a medical marijuana card application in Kentucky include:

• A valid government-issued identification card.
• Proof of residency in Kentucky.
• A written certification from a state-registered medical cannabis practitioner, which can be electronically captured as part of the application process.
• A notarized signature page, available on the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program website, pledging that you will use medical cannabis responsibly and not divert it to unauthorized individuals. 

For visiting patients the required documents include:

• A copy of their valid out-of-state registry identification card.
• Proof of a diagnosis of a qualifying medical condition
• A notarized signature page signed by the visiting qualifying patient, affirming responsible use of medical cannabis.

Applicants must use the official registry identification card application form provided on the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program website. Ensure all forms and documents are complete and submitted accurately to avoid delays in processing your application.

You can apply for a medical marijuana card online in Kentucky through the state’s portal. The state also allows physicians to use telemedicine to evaluate patients and issue medical marijuana certifications.

A written certification form for medical marijuana in Kentucky contains the following details:

• Medical Cannabis Practitioner Information:
  • Full name, license type, license number, office address, telephone number, and email address.
• Qualified Patient Information:
  • Full name, date of birth, and social security number.
  • If the patient is a minor, the custodial parent or legal guardian's full name, date of birth, social security number, email address, and phone number.
• Medical Condition:
  • Identification of the diagnosed qualifying medical condition.
• Practitioner Attestations:
  • Established a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship.
  • Diagnosed or confirmed the patient's qualifying condition and believes the patient may receive therapeutic or palliative benefits from medical cannabis.
  • Reviewed a 12-month prescription report from the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting (KASPER) system.
  • Discussed the potential risks, side effects, and possible interactions of medical cannabis with other medications.
  • Obtained consent from the custodial parent or legal guardian, if the patient is a minor.
• Practitioner’s Signature:
  • Includes the medical cannabis practitioner's signature and the date signed.

This certification is a key component of the application process for a medical marijuana card in Kentucky. 

Dr. Weedy offers a convenient and seamless service, allowing patients to obtain this certification from the comfort of their own homes through online consultations with licensed medical practitioners.

To renew your medical marijuana card, you must submit the applicable renewal application to the Cabinet no later than 30 days before the expiry date.

The renewal application must be submitted to the cabinet no later than 30 days prior to the expiration date on the card. But it’s best to start the renewal process 60 days before your medical marijuana card expires. A subsequent written certification issued for renewing a registry identification card is valid for 90 days. After completing the renewal process, your new medical marijuana card will be valid for another year.

Yes, a caregiver has to renew their card. When the registered qualified patient applies to renew their card, the designated caregiver can also apply to renew it by submitting a renewal application to the cabinet.

If you miss the renewal deadline, your registry identification card will no longer be valid, and you must apply for a new one.

A medical cannabis card in Kentucky can be revoked if the cardholder sells, distributes or dispenses medical cannabis to a person not permitted to possess or use the cannabis or if they commit a serious violation under KRS Chapter 218B.

Weed is only legal for medical use in Kentucky. Patients who qualify can receive a medical marijuana card in Kentucky, but adults cannot purchase recreational cannabis.

Medical marijuana patients cannot grow their cannabis in Kentucky. Only those with a cultivator’s license can grow cannabis.

Medical cannabis will be exempt from all sales and excise taxes.

Kentucky allows open and concealed carry of firearms without a license, but the state does not protect medical marijuana users who own guns. According to the Gun Control Act under federal law, it is illegal for cannabis users to own or purchase guns. This makes it confusing for Kentucky residents who own a gun and require medical marijuana. Still, it remains illegal to own a gun and use marijuana.

Even if Kentucky has legalized marijuana, it remains illegal under federal law. This means that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives can investigate and prosecute individuals in Kentucky for marijuana-related offenses, even if they are complying with state law. The ATF prioritizes their investigations by focusing on firearm-related violent crimes, armed drug traffickers including marijuana, violent crimes involving gangs, and crime drug traffickers. If a Kentucky individual is found involved in these activities, they would be prosecuted by the ATF.

Yes, using medical marijuana can lead to labor discrimination in Kentucky. Employers are allowed to prohibit cannabis use and possession by their employees under KRS 218B.040. You may be dismissed from your job for using medical cannabis onsite if your employer does not permit it. Employers can also restrict its use in the workplace or take action if it poses a safety risk.

Additionally, violating workplace policies related to medical cannabis use could affect your eligibility for unemployment and other benefits. Employees are not protected when they file wrongful termination lawsuits based on the use of medical marijuana.

Under Senate Bill 47, smoking marijuana is prohibited. It can be consumed in flowers, edibles, tinctures, vape pens, and wax. Also, consuming cannabis products in public places is not permitted.

Yes, you can use an out-of-state medical cannabis card in Kentucky. With your out-of-state certification, you can become a visiting patient. The visiting qualified patient’s card will be valid for one year.

In Kentucky, registered medical cannabis patients can transport up to a 30-day supply of cannabis from a dispensary to their home. The cannabis must be securely packaged in a sealed container that requires a two-step process to open, ensuring its safety during transport.

As a registered medical cannabis patient in Kentucky, you may purchase a 30-day supply of cannabis within a 25-day period. You are allowed to keep up to a 30-day supply at your residence. When transporting cannabis, you can carry a 10-day supply on your person. All cannabis must remain in its original packaging from the dispensary while outside your home. Additionally, you must have your valid registry identification card with you when transporting cannabis. If you are a visiting patient, you must carry a valid out-of-state registry card along with documentation confirming your qualifying medical condition.