Medical Cannabis in Kentucky: Qualifications, Restrictions, and Where to Buy

Kentuckians with a range of medical conditions now have access to medical cannabis from out-of-state, thanks to a new executive order by Governor Andy Beshear. 

The challenge? The news has left many wondering exactly what is legal and where to obtain cannabis products. If you’re among those in Kentucky who could benefit from a medical cannabis evaluation, we’re here to help. Read on for answers to any lingering questions about this new legislation.

Who qualifies for medical cannabis in Kentucky?

According to the state’s new order regarding qualifications for medical cannabis certification, Kentucky residents who are eligible for medical cannabis:

• Must be diagnosed with one of the state’s 21 qualifying medical conditions
• Need a written certification from a Kentucky-licensed medical provider, or from a provider in the resident’s home state with a bona fide patient-provider relationship, which states that the patient has a qualifying condition
• The patient’s caregiver can also legally possess, but not consume, medical cannabis. Caregivers must be over 21 and have written documentation of their role.

The qualifying conditions for a medical cannabis card in Kentucky include the following:

• Cancer
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Intractable seizures
• Parkinson’s disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Sickle cell anemia
• Severe and chronic pain
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Neuropathies
• Severe arthritis
• Hepatitis C
• Fibromyalgia
• Intractable pain
• Muscular dystrophy
• Huntington’s disease
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Glaucoma
• A terminal illness

What are Kentucky’s legal restrictions for MMJ Patients?

Those who qualify for medical cannabis in Kentucky can legally possess up to eight ounces of cannabis, as long as it has been purchased in any of these  neighboring states: 

• Illinois
• Missouri
• Ohio 
• West Virginia

Patients are required to have written proof of purchase that states the date and location of the transaction. 

Additionally, the medical cannabis patient or their caregiver must have certified proof that the patient was diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.

Where can Kentucky residents legally purchase medical cannabis?

While the executive order by Kentucky states that eligible patients can obtain medical cannabis prescriptions from any of the four neighboring legal cannabis states, there is a catch. 

Currently, Illinois is the only one of those states where non-residents can legally purchase cannabis products. For some, that means a day of traveling to the dispensary — but if it means treatment for your symptoms and a better quality of life, it might be worth the time and effort to access the products you need. 

Ready to Get Your Medical Cannabis Card?

At Canna Care Docs, our team of expert cannabis physicians and licensed doctors for cannabis are here to help and support patients through their medical cannabis journey. With already thousands of patients across the country certified, our cannabis clinic is backed by high-quality medical cannabis education and cannabis evaluations to provide you with the compassionate cannabis care you’re seeking. 

To learn if you qualify for medical cannabis in Kentucky, find a location near you and speak to a Canna Care Doc physician today!