As of January 2025, Kentucky’s medical marijuana program has officially launched, and we are now seeing patients. Those with a qualifying condition can apply for a medical marijuana card and legally possess up to 8 ounces of marijuana. To obtain a card, patients must have an in-person appointment at one of our offices in Louisville or Lexington, where they will receive a doctor’s recommendation.
After the appointment, they must submit the recommendation to the state to receive their medical marijuana card. While dispensaries are set to open soon, they are not operational yet. Our website is regularly updated with the latest information on qualifying conditions, dispensary openings, and office locations.
Proposed THC Driving Limits in Kentucky
With Kentucky’s medical marijuana program now active, lawmakers are considering how THC consumption may affect road safety. Senate Bill 230, introduced by Sen. David Yates, aims to set a 6-nanogram per milliliter (ng/mL) THC limit for drivers, similar to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for alcohol. If passed, this law would classify any driver exceeding this threshold as driving under the influence (DUI), regardless of actual impairment.
However, medical marijuana advocates and experts warn that THC blood tests do not reliably measure impairment. THC is fat-soluble, meaning it can linger in the bloodstream for days after consumption, long after its effects have worn off. Some experts, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and AAA, argue that per se THC limits are unscientific and arbitrary, as they risk penalizing unimpaired drivers simply for having residual THC in their system.
Concerns About Senate Bill 230
One major concern with Senate Bill 230 is that it does not distinguish between impairment and the mere presence of THC. Under this proposal, even state-qualified medical marijuana patients could face DUI charges for legally using their medication. Unlike alcohol, where BAC levels correlate directly with impairment, THC blood levels do not provide a clear indication of a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Additionally, the lack of reliable roadside THC testing methods further complicates enforcement. Unlike alcohol breathalyzers, current THC tests require blood samples, which must be taken at a facility after an arrest. Given that THC levels decline rapidly in the hours after use, the delay in testing can lead to highly inconsistent results, potentially misrepresenting actual impairment levels.
How This Affects Medical Marijuana Patients in Kentucky
Medical marijuana patients should be aware of the legal risks associated with driving under this proposed law. Until Kentucky establishes a more accurate way to measure THC-related impairment, patients could face unfair prosecution for using their legally prescribed medication. Lawmakers must consider patient protections and scientific accuracy before enacting strict THC driving limits that could negatively impact those who rely on marijuana for medical relief.
For now, medical marijuana patients should exercise caution when driving after consuming marijuana. While there is currently no official THC driving limit in Kentucky, law enforcement officers are trained to recognize signs of impairment and can still issue DUI charges based on field sobriety tests and officer observations.
Why You Should Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Kentucky
As Kentucky’s medical marijuana program moves forward, lawmakers must ensure THC driving limits are based on science, not arbitrary thresholds. A strict 6 ng/mL limit could unfairly penalize medical patients who are not impaired.
Rather than relying on blood THC levels alone, Kentucky should adopt field sobriety tests, impairment detection technology, and officer training for fairer DUI enforcement. Other states are using these methods to balance safety and patient rights.
Having a medical marijuana card remains the best option for Kentucky residents who qualify. Medical patients benefit from legal possession of up to 8 ounces, doctor-guided treatment, and priority access to dispensaries once they open.
The Road Ahead for THC Driving Laws in Kentucky
As Kentucky’s medical marijuana program progresses, lawmakers must ensure THC driving limits are based on science, not arbitrary thresholds. A strict 6 ng/mL limit could unfairly penalize medical patients who are not impaired.
Rather than relying solely on blood THC levels, Kentucky should adopt field sobriety tests, advanced impairment detection, and officer training for fairer DUI enforcement. Other states are using these methods to balance safety and patient rights.
Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is a major step forward, but laws like Senate Bill 230 could create challenges. Until impairment testing improves, patients should stay informed and drive cautiously. For updates on dispensary openings and state regulations, visit our website.
Get Access to Medical Marijuana in Kentucky
Medical marijuana is here, Kentucky, and we’re booking appointments now!
You can schedule your appointment to see our doctor at our Louisville or Lexington office. Schedule your appointment today to get your marijuana card and be the first to access dispensaries as soon as they open!
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