Kentucky is one of the newer states to launch a medical cannabis program. Senate Bill 47, signed by Governor Beshear in March 2023, created the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program under the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). The program became operational in January 2025. The Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card caregiver process is structured but straightforward. If you’re stepping in to help a qualifying patient access their medicine, this guide explains exactly what the state requires in 2026 — from eligibility to the notarized signature page that most applicants don’t expect.
How Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program Works
Kentucky’s Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC) oversees the program, which is entirely registration-based. Patients and caregivers must apply through the CHFS Patient and Caregiver Registration Portal at kymedcan.ky.gov.
There are no paper applications — the system is fully online. However, the process requires an in-person physician visit for initial patient certification. Telehealth certifications are not permitted for new patients in Kentucky.
Licensed dispensaries were phased in throughout 2025, and as of 2026, patients and caregivers across the state can access a growing number of retail locations.
Who Can Qualify as a Designated Caregiver in Kentucky?
Under Senate Bill 47 and CHFS regulations, a designated caregiver must:
- Be a Kentucky resident
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have no convictions for a disqualifying felony offense
- Agree to assist no more than three (3) registered, qualified patients simultaneously
- Submit a notarized signature form agreeing to serve as the caregiver and not divert medical cannabis to anyone other than the designated patient
For minor patients (under 18): the custodial parent or legal guardian with responsibility for health care decisions is required to serve as the designated caregiver. This is not optional.
Guardians, conservators, and limited guardians appointed by a court are also eligible to be designated caregivers by the individuals under their care.
Unlike many states, Kentucky allows a caregiver to also hold a patient card simultaneously, provided they meet eligibility requirements for both roles.
Step-by-Step: The Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card Caregiver Process
Step 1 — The qualified patient gets certified by a licensed practitioner
The patient must visit an authorized medical cannabis practitioner in person. This practitioner must be registered with the OMC. Patients can locate authorized practitioners through the “Find a Practitioner” directory at kymedcan.ky.gov.
Step 2 — Patient registers and designates you as their caregiver
After the patient’s application is approved through the CHFS portal, they can designate you as their caregiver. Without an approved patient registration, you cannot begin your caregiver application.
Step 3 — Create an account on the CHFS Patient and Caregiver Registration Portal
Go to the portal and create an individual account. The system requires your full legal name, address, email, date of birth, and Social Security number. Make sure the email you use matches what the patient provided — errors here require contacting Tyler Tech Support.
Step 4 — Complete the caregiver application
The caregiver application collects:
- Your full contact information
- The patient’s name and registry identification card number
- Your driver’s license number and Social Security number
Step 5 — Submit the notarized signature page
This is a unique and required step in Kentucky. You must sign and have notarized a signature form confirming your agreement to serve as the patient’s caregiver and your commitment not to divert medical cannabis. This notarized page must be submitted as part of your application.
Step 6 — Pay the registration fee
The caregiver card fee is $25. This is the same cost as a patient card. You must pay this fee for each patient you register to serve as a caregiver. Payment is made through the secure CHFS portal.
Step 7 — Receive your card
Once approved, the OMC issues your caregiver registry ID card. The card includes your designation as a caregiver and the registry identification number(s) of the patient(s) you are connected to. Cards are valid for one year.
What Does a Kentucky Caregiver Card Allow?
With an approved caregiver registry ID card, you may:
- Purchase medical cannabis from any licensed Kentucky dispensary on the patient’s behalf
- Possess the following on behalf of each patient you serve:
- Up to 112 grams of raw plant material per 30-day period
- Up to 28 grams of concentrate per 30-day period
- Up to 3,900 milligrams of THC infused in medical cannabis products (edibles, oils, etc.) per 30-day period
Note: smoking raw cannabis is prohibited in Kentucky. All products must be consumed in non-combustible forms. Raw plant material packaging is required to carry the label: “NOT INTENDED FOR CONSUMPTION BY SMOKING.”
Caregivers cannot cultivate cannabis in Kentucky. Home cultivation is not permitted under the current program.
Pricing Overview
Kentucky’s program keeps registration costs low:
- Caregiver card fee: $25 per patient (renewable annually at the same rate)
- Patient card fee: $25
For physician evaluation costs, visit KIF Doctors’ pricing page to compare rates. KIF Doctors can help guide patients and caregivers through the full certification and registration journey.
Renewal Requirements
Cards expire one year from issue date. Renewals can be submitted no more than 60 days and no less than 30 days before expiration. If the card expires before renewal, a new application must be started from scratch. Stay ahead of deadlines — the online portal provides expiration date reminders.
For the latest news on Kentucky dispensary openings, program expansions, and policy updates throughout 2026, visit the KIF Doctors blog.
Get the Patient Certified First
Since Kentucky requires in-person physician visits for initial certification, connecting patients with a qualified practitioner early is important. Schedule a patient evaluation appointment now through KIF Doctors to get the process underway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many patients can one caregiver serve in Kentucky?
A Kentucky caregiver can assist a maximum of three registered patients at one time.
Can a caregiver also be a patient in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky allows the same person to hold both a patient and caregiver registry ID card.
Why does Kentucky require a notarized signature for the caregiver application?
The notarization legally documents the caregiver’s commitment not to divert medical cannabis and to assume responsibility for the patient’s cannabis-related well-being.
What if I need to terminate a caregiver relationship with a patient?
Either the patient or caregiver can notify the OMC to terminate the relationship. The OMC will then notify the other party in writing.
Are there visiting patient provisions in Kentucky?
Yes. Out-of-state patients with a qualifying condition and a valid out-of-state medical cannabis card may register for a Kentucky visiting patient card, which allows a 10-day supply purchase within an 8-day period.
Sources
- Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program — How to Apply: https://kymedcan.ky.gov/patients-and-caregivers/Pages/application.aspx
- Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program — Patient and Caregiver FAQs: https://kymedcan.ky.gov/FAQs/Pages/Patient-and-Caregiver-Questions.aspx
