Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is officially active, which will soon allow qualifying patients to legally access marijuana for medical use. As of January 2025, patients are seeing doctors, receiving their medical recommendations, and submitting their applications to the state. Click here to schedule your appointment and start your wellness journey.
While the program is designed to help patients with serious medical conditions, certain factors can disqualify an applicant. Understanding these disqualifications is crucial before starting the application process. Here’s what you need to know about what can prevent you from getting a medical marijuana card in Kentucky.
Who Is Eligible for Medical Marijuana in Kentucky?
To qualify for medical marijuana in Kentucky, you must meet the following basic requirements:
Be a resident of Kentucky
Have a qualifying medical condition as defined by the state
Obtain a written certification from an approved medical provider. That’s where we come in!
Submit the doctor’s recommendation to the state and receive approval
Patients can schedule an in-person appointment with one of our doctors at either of our offices in Louisville or Lexington. Once approved, patients will be able to legally possess up to 8 ounces of marijuana for medical use.
Dispensaries are not open yet, but they will be launching soon. We are regularly updating our website with information on qualifying conditions, new dispensary openings, and patient guidelines.
What Disqualifies You from Medical Marijuana in Kentucky?
Even if you have a medical condition that could benefit from marijuana, certain factors can disqualify you from receiving a medical marijuana card in Kentucky.
1. You Don’t Have a Qualifying Medical Condition
To be eligible for medical marijuana, patients must have one of the approved qualifying conditions in Kentucky. If you don’t have a condition on the state’s official list, you will not be able to receive a doctor’s recommendation.
Current Qualifying Conditions Include:
Cancer (any type or stage)
Chronic pain that is severe, intractable, or debilitating
Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
Multiple sclerosis and muscle spasticity
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Chronic nausea or cyclic vomiting that is unresponsive to treatment
If your medical condition isn’t on the list, you may not qualify—unless Kentucky lawmakers expand the list of approved conditions in the future.
2. You Have a Disqualifying Felony Conviction
One of the most common reasons patients are disqualified from Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is having certain felony convictions.
What Felony Convictions Disqualify You?
There are two main types of felony offenses that can prevent you from getting a medical marijuana card:
Violent Felonies: If you were convicted of a felony that resulted in being classified as a violent offender by the Kentucky Department of Corrections, you may be disqualified. This includes:
Capital offenses
Class A felonies
Felony sexual offenses
Felonies involving the death of a victim
Human trafficking
First-degree criminal abuse
First-degree wanton endangerment (when a gun was fired)
Drug-Related Felonies: A felony conviction involving a controlled substance at the state or federal level can also disqualify you. However, there are two exceptions:
If the sentence was completed five or more years ago, you may still qualify.
If Kentucky’s current medical marijuana law would have prevented the original conviction, it may not count against you.
If you have a felony conviction and are unsure whether it will affect your eligibility, consulting a legal professional or one of our certified medical marijuana providers may help clarify your situation.
3. You Fail to Provide Proper Documentation
To apply for a medical marijuana card in Kentucky, you must provide:
A valid Kentucky ID (driver’s license or state-issued identification).
A written certification from an approved medical provider.
Additional documentation if you are applying as a caregiver for a minor or another patient.
If you fail to submit the required paperwork or provide false information, your application may be delayed or denied.
4. You Haven’t Seen a Doctor In Person
Kentucky requires in-person medical appointments for first-time medical marijuana patients. That’s where we come in! Online or telehealth evaluations are not permitted for initial certification.
Patients can book appointments at our offices in Louisville or Lexington, where they will be evaluated by a licensed medical provider. After receiving a written certification, they will need to submit it to the state to receive their medical card.
5. You Are Under 18 Without a Caregiver
Minors can qualify for medical marijuana in Kentucky with parental or guardian consent. However, they must have a registered caregiver who is responsible for managing their medical marijuana use.
A caregiver must:
Be at least 21 years old.
Be designated by the patient as their legal caregiver.
Submit a caregiver application along with the patient’s medical marijuana certification.
If a minor does not have an approved caregiver, they will not be able to receive a medical marijuana card.
6. You Are Trying to Purchase Marijuana Without a Medical Card
Even though Kentucky has legalized medical marijuana, recreational marijuana remains illegal. Only registered medical patients can legally possess and use marijuana under state law.
If you don’t have a medical marijuana card, you will not legally be able to purchase or possess marijuana in Kentucky.
Once dispensaries open, they will strictly regulate entry, only patients with valid medical cards will be able to purchase products.
7. You Violate Kentucky’s Medical Marijuana Regulations
Even after receiving a medical marijuana card, patients must follow strict regulations to remain in compliance with Kentucky law.
Some major violations that could cause a patient to lose their medical marijuana privileges include:
Using marijuana in public places where it is prohibited.
Driving under the influence of marijuana.
Possessing marijuana on school grounds unless explicitly allowed by the institution.
Consuming marijuana in correctional facilities or federal properties.
Smoking marijuana (Kentucky law prohibits smoking; only approved forms like edibles, tinctures, and vapes are allowed).
Patients who violate these rules risk having their medical card revoked or facing legal consequences.
Why Medical Marijuana Is the Right Choice
Even with restrictions, medical marijuana remains the best option for qualifying Kentuckians. Patients can legally possess up to 8 ounces, ensuring reliable access to treatment.
Once dispensaries open, only registered medical patients will be able to purchase marijuana, making early certification essential. Medical marijuana also provides a safer alternative to opioids, offering relief for many conditions without the risks of addiction.
Having a medical marijuana card will also grant legal protections, soon allowing patients to possess marijuana without fear of prosecution. As Kentucky’s program expands, securing your medical card now will ensure access to treatment and dispensaries as soon as they open.
Summary
Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is fully active, and patients are receiving their medical cards now. However, not everyone qualifies. Understanding what disqualifies you can save you time and frustration before applying.
If you meet the requirements, book an in-person appointment with one of our doctors in Louisville or Lexington.
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!
Don’t wait—secure your spot and start your journey toward relief. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the program and dispensaries!
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