What Are the 21 Kentucky Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions in 2025?

Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is poised to make a significant impact, offering patients alternative treatments for chronic and debilitating conditions. With 21 qualifying conditions identified, the program aims to support those whose medical needs are unmet by traditional therapies. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the Kentucky medical marijuana conditions, discuss the steps to get your medical marijuana card in KY, and answer frequently asked questions, linking to related resources to help you navigate the program.

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When Will Medical Marijuana Be Legal in Kentucky?

Medical marijuana was legalized in Kentucky in March 2024 when Senate Bill 47 was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear. The program will officially launch on January 1st, 2025 with dispensaries expected to open by mid-year. During this time, the state is establishing infrastructure, finalizing regulations, and licensing medical marijuana businesses to ensure a safe and well-organized rollout.

The legalization timeline reflects years of advocacy and preparation. To understand how Kentucky reached this milestone, visit our detailed post about Medical Cannabis Legality in Kentucky.

What Are the Requirements for a Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card in 2025?

Eligibility for a Kentucky medical marijuana card requires meeting specific criteria:

• Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old or have a caregiver if they are minors.
• Residency: Proof of Kentucky residency is required through documentation like a driver’s license.
• Qualifying Condition: Patients must have a diagnosed condition approved by the program.
• Physician Certification: A certified medical marijuana doctor must confirm that cannabis is a suitable treatment option.

These requirements ensure that the program serves those with legitimate medical needs. Learn more about the application process and eligibility, visit our Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card Requirements guide.

What Are the Kentucky Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions?

The Kentucky medical marijuana program covers a broad spectrum of conditions. Below is a detailed explanation of the 21 approved conditions and their potential benefits:

• Chronic or severe pain: Medical marijuana can help patients manage persistent pain by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and pain perception.

• ​Any type or form of cancer: Cannabis provides relief from chemotherapy-induced nausea, loss of appetite, and pain.

• Epilepsy or other intractable seizure disorder: Studies have shown that cannabis, particularly CBD, can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

• Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity: Cannabis alleviates muscle spasms, pain, and mobility issues associated with MS.

• Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome: Often experienced during chemotherapy or other treatments, cannabis helps control nausea and vomiting.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Patients with PTSD often find cannabis effective for managing anxiety, insomnia, and hyperarousal symptoms.

1. Crohn’s Disease: Cannabis may reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, alleviating pain and improving appetite.
2. HIV/AIDS: Cannabis helps with pain relief, appetite stimulation, and nausea management in patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy.
3. Severe Arthritis: Cannabinoids reduce joint inflammation and chronic pain, improving mobility and quality of life.
4. Glaucoma: Cannabis lowers intraocular pressure, offering potential relief for patients managing this eye condition.
5. Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome: By stimulating appetite, cannabis supports patients struggling with significant weight loss.
6. Fibromyalgia: Patients report reduced pain and improved sleep after using medical cannabis.
7. Severe Migraines: Cannabis can act as a preventative measure or acute treatment for chronic migraines.
8. Intractable Seizures: Similar to epilepsy, cannabis shows promise in managing seizures resistant to traditional therapies.
9. Neuropathy: Cannabis reduces nerve pain, offering relief for conditions like diabetic neuropathy.
10. Parkinson’s Disease: Medical marijuana may help alleviate tremors, stiffness, and other motor symptoms.
11. Alzheimer’s Disease: Cannabis could slow disease progression and reduce behavioral symptoms like aggression and agitation.
12. Tourette Syndrome: Cannabis minimizes involuntary tics and improves focus and quality of life.
13. Ulcerative Colitis: Patients benefit from reduced inflammation and fewer flare-ups.
14. Autism Spectrum Disorder with Aggressive or Self-Injurious Behavior: Cannabis offers calming effects, reducing harmful behaviors.
15. Any Terminal Illness: For patients in palliative care, cannabis provides relief from pain, anxiety, and other end-of-life symptoms.

This diverse list ensures patients with severe health challenges have access to potentially life-changing treatments. For updates on the program’s conditions and policies, visit our Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card page.

Kentucky Medical Marijuana Costs: What to Expect

For Kentucky residents seeking a medical marijuana card, understanding the associated costs is key to budgeting for the program. Here’s a breakdown of the fees involved:

1. Physician Consultation Fees
   The initial consultation with a licensed medical marijuana doctor typically costs between $100 and $200. This fee covers the evaluation where the doctor will determine if medical marijuana is a suitable treatment for your qualifying condition. Telemedicine options may be available, often at a slightly lower cost.
2. State Application Fee
   The application fee for submitting your medical marijuana card request to the state is generally around $50. This fee helps cover the administrative costs of processing your application and issuing your card.
3. Renewal Fees
   Medical marijuana cards in Kentucky will need to be renewed annually. Renewal fees are expected to be similar to the initial application fee, ranging between $25 and $50.
4. Costs of Medical Marijuana Products
   Once approved, patients will be able to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries. Prices for cannabis products vary based on the type (flower, oils, edibles, etc.) and potency, but the cost typically ranges from $10 to $25 per gram​.
5. Insurance Considerations
   It’s important to note that, like many states, Kentucky does not allow insurance to cover medical marijuana due to its federal classification as a controlled substance. This means patients will need to pay out of pocket for both the consultation and the cannabis itself​.

For a more detailed breakdown of the costs and fees associated with Kentucky’s medical marijuana program, check out our full post on this topic: Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card Costs.

How to Apply for a KY Medical Marijuana Card Online in 3 Steps

Applying for a medical marijuana card in Kentucky is a simple, three-step process:

Step 1: Consult a Medical Marijuana Doctor

Schedule an appointment with a licensed physician certified to recommend medical marijuana. Telemedicine consultations may be available, providing convenience for patients unable to travel.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

Gather proof of your medical condition (e.g., doctor’s notes, prescriptions) and Kentucky residency (e.g., state-issued ID, utility bill).

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Complete the state application and submit it with your physician’s certification. Once approved, you’ll receive your medical marijuana card, which allows access to licensed dispensaries.

Photo by Elsa Olofsson

Kentucky Medical Marijuana Conditions FAQs

Who Prescribes Medical Marijuana in Kentucky?

Only licensed doctors certified by the Kentucky Department of Health can recommend medical marijuana. These professionals assess your medical history and determine whether cannabis is an appropriate treatment.

How Hard Is It to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Kentucky?

The process is straightforward if you meet the eligibility requirements. Patients with qualifying conditions, valid documentation, and a physician’s recommendation can typically obtain their cards with minimal difficulty.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Kentucky?

Costs include a physician evaluation fee (estimated at $100–$200) and a state application fee (around $50). Learn more about fees and renewal costs here: Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card Costs.

Is Medical Marijuana Covered by Insurance in Kentucky?

Unfortunately, insurance does not cover medical marijuana due to its classification as a Schedule I drug under federal law. Patients should budget for consultations, application fees, and products.

Next Steps

Kentucky’s medical marijuana program offers hope for patients struggling with chronic and debilitating conditions. Prepare now by consulting a medical marijuana doctor, gathering necessary documentation, and staying informed about the program’s launch in 2025.

Schedule Your 2025 Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card Appointment Today!

This article is reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician. He is also the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.