Kentucky passed medical marijuana legislation in 2023 but the program doesn't launch until January 1, 2025, making it one of the newer medical cannabis states. The program will be comprehensive with dispensaries and licensed cultivation, but smoking is prohibited - only vaporization, edibles, tinctures, and other non-combustible methods are allowed. Home cultivation is not permitted. Recreational marijuana remains illegal with no current legalization efforts. The state is working on regulatory framework implementation throughout 2024 to ensure the program is ready for 2025 launch. THC limits are set at 35% for flower, 70% for concentrates, and 10mg per serving for edibles.
Once operational in 2025, qualified patients will access medical cannabis through state-licensed dispensaries. Patients will need a valid medical cannabis card and government-issued ID to make purchases. The state is planning to ensure adequate geographic distribution of dispensaries to serve patients across Kentucky.
Qualifying conditions include: cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting that's not related to pregnancy, PTSD, chronic muscle spasms, multiple sclerosis, ALS, chronic wasting syndrome, severe arthritis, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, hepatitis, sickle cell disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and terminal illness. The state may add additional conditions through regulatory process.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health will oversee the medical cannabis program, including patient registration and physician certification. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture will regulate cultivation and processing facilities. A Cannabis Advisory Committee will provide guidance on program implementation and ongoing operations.
Yes, patients must register with the Kentucky Department for Public Health to receive a medical cannabis identification card. This registration will be required to legally possess and purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries. Without the card, possession remains illegal.
Once operational in 2025, qualified patients will access medical cannabis through state-licensed dispensaries. Patients will need a valid medical cannabis card and government-issued ID to make purchases. The state is planning to ensure adequate geographic distribution of dispensaries to serve patients across Kentucky.
Registration fees and renewal schedules will be established by the Department for Public Health before the program launches in 2025. The law authorizes the department to set reasonable fees to cover administrative costs. Cards will need to be renewed periodically, likely annually, with updated physician certifications.