We are pleased to offer medical cannabis certification services for qualifying patients in Kentucky. This service is designed to support healthcare providers in expanding access to safe, regulated medical cannabis for patients who may benefit from its therapeutic properties.

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Referral Criteria: Who Qualifies for a Medical Cannabis Card?

To qualify for a medical cannabis card in Kentucky, patients must already have a documented diagnosis of one or more of the following qualifying conditions:

• Any type or form of cancer

• Chronic or severe pain

• Epilepsy or other intractable seizure disorders

• Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity

• Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

 

Please note that we do not diagnose patients with qualifying conditions. Instead, patients must have an established diagnosis documented in their medical chart before referral.

 

Certification Process Overview

 

The following steps must be completed during an initial in-person examination for the purposes of establishing a practitioner-patient relationship for a diagnosis that qualifies them for a certification to register for a medical cannabis card. As defined by KRS 218B.010, a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship means a treating or consulting relationship, during which the practitioner has:

1. Completed an initial in-person examination and assessment of the patient's medical history and current medical condition;

2. Consulted with the patient with respect to the possible medical, therapeutic, and palliative properties of medical cannabis;

3. Advised the patient of the possible risks and side effects associated with the use of medical cannabis, including possible interactions between medical cannabis and any other drug or medication that the patient is taking at that time; and

4. Established an expectation that the practitioner will provide follow-up care and treatment to the patient in accordance with administrative regulations. A bona fide practitioner-patient relationship must be established during an initial in-person visit. Subsequent visits for certification renewals can be conducted via telehealth.

 

How You Can Help​

 

As a healthcare provider, you play a key role in identifying patients who may benefit from medical cannabis. When referring a patient, please ensure that:

• The patient’s qualifying condition is clearly documented in their medical chart.

• The patient understands that they will need to complete an in-person evaluation to establish eligibility.

• Please fax referrals to 270-830-3058

 

Why Partner With Us?

 

We are committed to working collaboratively with local healthcare providers to ensure patients receive safe and appropriate care. Our goal is to complement the excellent care you are already providing by helping eligible patients access this valuable treatment option.

If you have questions or would like to refer a patient for a medical cannabis certification, please feel free to reach out to 270-830-3056 or office@medicalcannabisky.org.

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For more information on the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program please visit the following links

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Overview https://kymedcan.ky.gov/About/Pages/default.aspx

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Authorized Practitioner Registration Guide pg 24

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​Quick Reference Guide for Kentucky Authorized Practitioners

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