FAQ: Medical Marijuana in Kentucky

At this time, you cannot get a medical marijuana card, but you can get certified for medical marijuana use pursuant to Executive Order 2022-798. You’ll need to speak with a Kentucky medical marijuana doctor and get approved. That’s where we come in! We work with multiple physicians who are excited to speak with you and approve you for medical marijuana use. Schedule an appointment here!

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.

The following conditions would qualify you for your Kentucky medical marijuana card: ALS, cancer, epilepsy, intractable seizures, Parkinson's disease, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, sickle cell anemia, severe and chronic pain (including fibromyalgia or arthritis), PTSD, cachexia or wasting syndrome, neuropathies, hepatitis C, Huntington's disease, HIV or AIDS, glaucoma, muscular dystrophy, or any terminal illness.

The cost to get approved by the doctor for your Kentucky medical marijuana certification is $149. You can pay with any major debit or credit card. In 2025, you will then be eligible to get a Kentucky medical marijuana card.

With your Kentucky medical marijuana certificate, you will be allowed to possess up to eight ounces of lawfully purchased marijuana on your person. If you were charged with possession in Kentucky, Governor Beshear would extend a full pardon.

Currently, you cannot currently purchase medical marijuana in Kentucky. You must purchase the marijuana outside the state lawfully, and keep record of your purchase with you (like a receipt). Illinois, Michigan and Missouri have many dispensaries available. Ohio will be another option once recreational sales begin in July. Individuals over the age of 21 can purchase from these dispensaries, regardless of residency. Check out this blog post we wrote for more information.

You can purchase and possess any type of medical marijuana product so long as you have your medical marijuana certification. This includes flower, edibles, tinctures, vape pens, wax, and other methods of consumption. Beginning in 2025, you will not be allowed to smoke marijuana.

Governor Beshear’s executive order did not address marijuana use in the workforce. For now, whether or not your Kentucky medical marijuana documentation is recognized is at your employer’s discretion. However, your Kentucky medical marijuana certification does offer legal protections from criminal prosecution.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to medical marijuana. Many mainstream health professionals are miseducated on the topic, or are fearful of legal repurcussions. Our Kentucky licensed physicians are here to help though! Our medical marijuana doctors can evaluate you, and ultimately approve you for medical marijuana use.

It is a good idea to keep your medical marijuana in its original packaging from the dispensary and store it in a discreet location, like your trunk. You should also keep your receipt of purchase handy. We encourage you to exercise your right to NOT give law enforcement permission to search your vehicle when asked.

Governor Beshear is working with neighboring states, like Indiana, to offer those with a Kentucky medical marijuana certification possession rights while transporting their medication. However, for the time being, your certification is only recognized by the state of Kentucky. While in other states that do NOT have a marijuana program, it is at law enforcement’s discretion to determine how to handle the situation.

Yes, medical marijuana dispensaries are expected to open sometime next year in Kentucky. Senate Bill 47 creates a full-fledged medical marijuana program, which will have dispensaries and Kentucky medical marijuana cards. Dispensaries must be located at least 1,000 feet away from an existing elementary or secondary school or a daycare center.

Cancer, chronic or debilitating pain, epilepsy or any other seizure disorder; multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity; chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome; post-traumatic stress disorder, and any other medical condition or disease that the Kentucky Center for Cannabis determines.

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.

No, you cannot legally grow your own marijuana plants even with a Kentucky medical marijuana card. New legislation would need to be passed to allow for home growing.