Get Your Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card

Documents needed to apply for a Kentucky medical marijuana card

You’ll need to provide the following to apply for a medical marijuana card in Kentucky:

1. Proof of Identity
   You will need a government-issued photo ID, such as a Kentucky driver’s license or state ID card. A birth certificate or passport is required for minor patients, along with the minor patient’s caregiver’s government-issued ID.Medical records are not required.

Next steps after approval

There is no medical marijuana program in Kentucky, so there is no need to apply.

Instead, all you need is to carry your Kentucky medical cannabis certificate with you at all times and proof of purchase for any product on your person, in compliance with Executive Order 2022-798.

How to renew your KY med card

There is no difference between getting a certification as an existing cardholder or a new medical cannabis patient. Here is the process for getting your renewal certification:

1. Sign in to your Leafwell account or register as a renewal patient here.
2. Speak to a Kentucky licensed provider online.
3. Get approved, download, and print your certification.
4. You will need to carry your certification with you at all times. There is no state application nor state card.

Kentucky marijuana laws

In March 2023, Gov. Andy Beshear signed a bill to define terms and establish a medicinal cannabis program in Kentucky starting Jan 1.,  2025. While medical cannabis use is legal in Kentucky, the official state program has not commenced and there are no medical cannabis businesses open in Kentucky. At this time, qualifying medical marijuana patients in the state will have to purchase their products legally in a neighboring state that offers medical marijuana reciprocity.

In the meantime, medical marijuana patients who certify using the process outlined in Executive Order 2022-798 must carefully adhere to current medical cannabis law.

Below are a few need-to-know medical marijuana laws in Kentucky:

• Although qualified patients may be able to receive certification for medical marijuana use, marijuana itself remains illegal, both recreationally and medically.
• Patients may not possess more than eight ounces of cannabis.
• Patients or their designated caregiver must keep their certification form with them whenever cannabis is in their possession.
• Patients must follow all guidelines from the executive order when purchasing cannabis to receive legal protection from possession charges.
• According to Kentucky state law, residents are ineligible to participate in the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program if they have been convicted of a disqualifying felony offense.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) products with low-THC content are legal and available in the state.
• Smoking will not be allowed for any patients when the program starts in January.

How to become a caregiver in Kentucky

Caregivers must be over 21 and bear significant responsibility for the medical marijuana patient they’re caring for.

The caregiver must provide their name, address, and phone number to Leafwell.

Prospective caregivers should also be aware that their names will be listed on the certificate, and they will be responsible for ensuring that the certification form is in their possession at all necessary times.

Can I use my Kentucky medical marijuana card in other states?

Kentucky does not offer medical marijuana reciprocity to cardholders from states with medical marijuana programs.

Although patients with a Kentucky medical certification may possess medical marijuana within state lines, the certification does not grant them purchasing power in medical-only states.

Until Kentucky has a state medical marijuana program, residents will not be eligible for reciprocity with other states or territories, such as:

• Arizona
• Arkansas *
• Delaware
• Hawaii *
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan (at the dispensary’s discretion)
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey *
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma *
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• U.S. Virgin Islands *
• Utah * (up to two 21-day periods in a calendar year)
• Washington, D.C.

*Visitors must complete a visiting patient application process with the state program.

Minor patient information

Minor patients will require a caregiver. See the Caregivers section for requirements.

Leafwell physicians are able to certify minors who qualify, with the parent/legal guardian’s consent. The caregiver must provide their name, address, and phone number during Leafwell’s registration, under the “Caregiver” section. They will be listed on the certificate. The caregiver will need to carry a copy of the certificate with them.

Vaping will not be allowed for patients under 21.