Who can use medical marijuana in Kentucky? Here’s what to know about the requirements
An executive order Gov. Andy Beshear signed in November to permit qualifying Kentuckians to possess small amounts of medical cannabis purchased from out of state is in effect as of Jan. 1.
During a live news conference he gave at the time, the Democratic governor said he was taking action to offer relief to Kentuckians suffering from chronic pain and debilitating health conditions in the face of inaction from the state’s Republican-dominated legislature.
Who can use medical marijuana in Kentucky under the executive order, and what are the conditions? Here’s what to know:
What are the requirements for possessing medical marijuana in Kentucky?
There are four main conditions laid out in Beshear’s executive order, which can be read in full online.
- The medical cannabis must have been legally purchased from out of state in a state that permits it.
- The individual must be able to show they’ve purchased it legally, which can be done by saving your receipt.
- The amount in the individual’s possession must not exceed 8 ounces. This can mean the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Kentucky.
The individual or the individual’s caregiver shall produce a “written certification” by a qualified health care provider showing the person has been diagnosed with one of 21 eligible medical conditions.
How do I get access to medical marijuana under the order?
The executive order makes it clear state residents must have a “written certification” from their health care provider, but it is explicit in stating this written certification does not equate to a prescription for medical cannabis.
As for “health care provider,” Beshear’s order stipulates this could be a doctor of medicine or osteopathy licensed to practice medicine in the state, or in the jurisdiction where the individual lives if they’re visiting Kentucky.
The health care provider must be in good standing with their licensing board.
Which conditions grant Kentuckians access to medical marijuana?
The executive order lists the following health conditions and ailments:
- Cancer
- Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Intractable seizures
- Parkinson’s disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Sickle cell anemia
- Severe and chronic pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Neuropathies
- Severe arthritis
- Hepatitis C
- Fibromyalgia
- Intractable pain
- Muscular dystrophy
- Huntington’s disease
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Glaucoma
- A terminal illness
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This story was originally published November 15, 2022 at 4:03 PM.