How many Kentuckians want a medical marijuana card? Here’s how many have applied
Kentucky residents can now apply to become medical marijuana cardholders, and according to some early data from the state’s Office of Medical Cannabis, hundreds have already signed up.
The agency began accepting applications through its online portal Jan. 1, and it’s now preparing a series of public webinars geared toward potential patients and their caregivers, the first of which takes place Wednesday, Jan. 15. This follows a months-long licensing period that culminated with a series of lotteries for cannabis businesses in late 2024.
The Office of Medical Cannabis has 30 days to review each cardholder application for final approval, so while these numbers are preliminary, here’s a look at how many Kentuckians are interested in legally using medicinal cannabis.
What kind of demand is there for medical marijuana in Kentucky?
State officials have danced around that question for months, but some early data from the Office of Medical Cannabis offers a clue.
During a Tuesday news conference, Gov. Andy Beshear said the state has received more than 760 cardholder applications since it started accepting them Jan. 1. Additionally, some 5,000 Kentuckians have signed up for the first of series of informational webinars, the first of which will take place next week.
Hundreds of applications were received in the first 48 hours alone, Kendra Steele, executive director of Office of Public Affairs within Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services, told the Herald-Leader in response to questions about initial cardholder interest.
“Governor Beshear is committed to ensuring that Kentuckians in need have access to safe, regulated medical cannabis as a means to improve their quality of life,” Steele wrote.
“As of 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, over 460 Kentuckians have applied for a medical cannabis card with Kentucky’s Office of Medical Cannabis. Under Kentucky law, the office has 30 days to review each application for a medical cannabis card. Those applications submitted are currently under review,” Steele continued.
The state did not disclose how many of those Kentuckians are under the age of 18 or other demographic data about cardholder applicants.
How can I apply to become a cardholder?
Currently, state residents that have at least one of six qualifying medical conditions are eligible to become cardholders. These conditions include:
Cancer of any type or form
Epilepsy and other intractable seizure disorders
Chronic or severe pain
Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms and spasticity
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Chronic nausea and cyclical vomiting syndrome
Individuals with one or more of these conditions who are interested in becoming cardholders should first seek out an authorized doctor or nurse practitioner. The state has an online directory of such health care providers who are eligible to write the necessary certification.
Once patients have obtained an electronic certification, they have 60 days to apply with the state, after which the certification expires.
Do you plan to apply for a medical marijuana card in Kentucky? Our service journalism team would like to talk with you. Give us some information with the Know Your Kentucky form below or email ask@herald-leader.com.