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​Senate ​Bill 47 established the framework for the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program, including how patients apply to have a medical cannabis card and how to become a medical cannabis caregiver in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Below are the processes for patients and caregivers to become cardholders.


Kentucky Patient Card Registration and Qualifications

To apply for a card, an individual must:​

  • An applicant must use the applicable registry identification card application form made available through the website for the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program here​.
  • Registry identification card applications submitted by or on behalf of qualified patients must include:
    • The full name, address, telephone number, email address, date of birth, social security number, and driver's license number of the qualified patient;
    • A written certification issued by a medical cannabis practitioner;
    • The name, address, and telephone number of the qualified patient's medical cannabis practitioner;
    • Pay the application fee for a qualified patient ($25); and
    • A notarized signature page signed by the applicant that includes a statement by the qualified patient pledging not to divert medical cannabis to anyone who is not permitted to possess medical cannabis.
  • If the qualified patient needs a caregiver, please review the caregiver registration and qualifications below. 

Caregiver Registration and Qualifications

  • A designated caregiver must be a resident of Kentucky, at least 21 years old, has not been convicted of a disqualifying felony offense, and has agreed to assist no more than three (3) registered, qualified patients.
  • Any person who has been appointed as a guardian, limited guardian, conservator, or limited conservator must also be eligible to be designated as a designated caregiver by the individual for whom they have been appointed as a guardian, limited guardian, conservator, or limited conservator.
  • For minor patients, the custodial parent or legal guardian with responsibility for health care decisions for the qualified patient must serve as the designated caregiver for the minor patient.​

After the above eligibility criteria is met, the caregiver must do the following to register:
  • Provide your name, address, telephone number, email address, and date of birth to the qualified patient who wants to designate you as their caregiver
  • The qualified patient must designate you as a caregiver in their application for a registry identification card and that application must be approved.
  • Once the qualified patient's application is approved, you may submit an application to be the registered qualified patient's designated caregiver.  This application form will be available through the website of the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program and you will need to provide your name, address, telephone number, email address, date of birth, social security number, and driver's license number as well as the name and registry identification card number of the qualified patient who designated you to be their caregiver.  Your application must include a signed and notarized signature page (available here) stating that you agree to be the registered qualified patient's caregiver and will not divert medical cannabis to anyone other than the registered qualified patient to whom you are connected through the cabinet's registration process.​

Minor Patient Registration and Qualifications​

  • P​atients under 18 can apply for a registry identification card in Kentucky if they meet the following criteria:
    • Have a qualifying medical condition and obtained a written certification from a registered medical practitioner to use medical cannabis.
    • Obtained additional documentation of a diagnosis from a practitioner other than the medical cannabis practitioner who provided the written certification.
    • Have a custodial parent or legal guardian who agrees to allow the minor patient to use medical cannabis, serve as their designated caregiver, and control the acquisition, dosage, and frequency of use of medical cannabis.
  • Once patients under 18 meet these criteria, they can follow the same steps as a registered qualified patient to obtain a registry identification card in Kentucky. This includes submitting an application with the necessary documentation and fee to the program.
  • Patients under 18 should also check with their schools regarding any specific restrictions or policies related to the possession and use of medical cannabis on school premises.​​​

Out of State Patient Registration and Qualifications

  • Out of state patients may register if they meet the following criteria:
    • You are not a resident of Kentucky or have been a resident for less than 30 days.
    • You are at least 21 years of age.
    • You have not been convicted of a disqualifying felony offense.
    • You possess a valid out-of-state registry identification card.
    • You have documentation of having been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
  • Once you meet these criteria, you can follow the same steps as a registered qualified patient to obtain a registry identification card in Kentucky. This includes submitting the required application, documentation, and fee to the program. ​

For more information about the laws governing the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program, please click here​.

For a list of frequently asked questions regarding patients and caregivers, please click here​.​