- HELP & SUPPORT
Common Questions
What exactly is medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis refers to products made from the flowers of the Cannabis sativa L. plant that are legally certified for therapeutic use to help manage specific health conditions. These include both finished products (like oils and edibles) and raw plant material.
What forms of medical cannabis products are permitted?
After January 1, 2025, patients may access a variety of products, including:
Edibles
Oils and tinctures
Vape products (only for those 21 and older)
Packaged raw plant material (but not for smoking)
Are there age limits for patients?
Patients under age 18 may qualify only with a parent or legal guardian serving as their designated caregiver. They cannot possess or buy medical cannabis without a caregiver’s assistance.
Can I travel out of state to purchase medical cannabis?
Out-of-state purchases are governed by specific executive orders and federal law. Those provisions and restrictions should be reviewed for current details.
Is medical cannabis only sold at licensed dispensaries?
Yes. Medical cannabis products are exclusively sold at state-licensed dispensaries and nowhere else.
What is THC and how does it relate to medical cannabis?
THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis that produces most of the plant’s physical effects. It’s one of many cannabinoids found in medical cannabis products.
Who can qualify for a medical cannabis registry card?
Several registry card types exist:
In-state adult patient cards
Minor patient cards (with caregiver support)
Designated caregiver cards
Visiting patient cards
Each type has specific eligibility rules and documentation requirements.
What medical conditions qualify for treatment with medical cannabis?
Qualifying conditions include:
Any cancer type or stage
Chronic or debilitating pain
Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity
Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting that resisted traditional treatment
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Other conditions as determined by the Kentucky Center for Cannabis
What if my medical condition isn’t listed?
At this time, only the conditions above make a patient eligible. Expansion of the qualifying list has been recommended to lawmakers, but new conditions must be approved through the legislative process.
Am I allowed to grow my own medical cannabis?
No. Kentucky state law prohibits individuals from cultivating their own medical cannabis plants.
Where can medical cannabis be consumed?
While use is legal for cardholders, it remains prohibited in certain places, such as:
While driving or operating machinery under the influence
On most school and federal properties
At correctional facilities
In public where local rules prohibit it
Smoking raw cannabis is also prohibited.