7 things to know about Kentucky's medical marijuana program
Kentucky's medical cannabis program began operating in 2025 and is run by the Office of Medical Cannabis within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. A practitioner registered with the program examines the patient in person and issues a written certification for a qualifying condition. The patient then applies online, pays $25 and, once approved, receives a registry ID card valid for one year. Cardholders buy from licensed dispensaries; flower is sold but may not be smoked, and home growing is not allowed. Medical cannabis is exempt from sales and excise taxes. A 2026 executive order and regulation clarified 15 more qualifying conditions.
7 things to know
- Kentucky's medical cannabis program started serving patients in 2025.
- The first certification must be an in-person exam; renewals can be done by telehealth.
- Patient, caregiver and visiting patient cards each cost $25 and last one year.
- Flower is sold, but smoking it is prohibited by state law.
- Medical cannabis purchases are exempt from sales and excise taxes.
- Home cultivation is not allowed.
- A 2026 executive order and regulation added 15 clarified conditions, including ALS, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia and glaucoma.
At a glance
- State fee: $25
- Card lasts: 1 year
- Processing: Application acknowledged within 15 days; approval or denial within 30 days; card issued within 5 days of approval
- Patient limit: A 10-day supply on your person (37.5 g flower, 9.5 g concentrate, or 1,300 mg THC in infused products) and a 30-day supply at home
- Home grow: Not allowed
- Recreational sales: Not legal
- First visit online: No — in person first
Sources
- Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program - Patients and Caregivers Overview
- Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program - Patient and Caregiver Questions
- Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program - Providing Written Certifications
- Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program - Banking and Taxes Questions
- 915 KAR 2:010 - Procedures for registry identification cards
- 915 KAR 2:050 - Qualifying medical conditions
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.