About Kentucky
Kentucky is located in the southeastern United States and is bordered by Tennessee to the north, North Carolina to the east, Georgia to the south, and Ohio to the west. The state has a variety of landscapes including mountains, hills, lakes, and rivers. Popular tourist destinations include Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky. There are also many historical attractions like Mammoth Cave National Park and the Wright brothers’ birthplace.
About The Marijuana Legalization In Kentucky
Those seeking medical marijuana treatments in Kentucky need to apply firstly for an MMJ card. However, following the legalization, the state has not yet legalized medical marijuana. But once it gets legal, then every patient and doctor in Kentucky must follow the law. It states that patients must undergo a medical marijuana evaluation in Kentucky. An MMJ card is also given to them after the evaluation process. Before receiving medical marijuana treatment or drugs, all patients must have a valid MMJ card. Doctors must be qualified and have experience with medical marijuana therapies, according to state law.
The COVID-19 outbreak halted the legislation shortly after Kentucky enacted HB 136, which would legalize medical cannabis, by a record vote of 65-30. The Lexington Herald-Leader reported before the February 2020 vote that HB136 was gaining traction, with bill sponsor Rep. James Nemes saying, “It’s virtually, very much over in the House of Representatives.
Now we must inform our senators about your situation and educate them on the measure.” According to a statewide poll, 90% of Kentuckians support the legalization of cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The Kentucky Health Issues Poll (KHIP) is an annual survey that asks residents of the Bluegrass State how they feel about various topics.
The most recent study, conducted by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, revealed a dramatic shift in citizens’ attitudes on medical and recreational cannabis over the last decade. According to the foundation, “the KHIP research found that support for medicinal marijuana among Kentucky adults increased from 78 percent in 2012, the last time the poll addressed this topic.” “A higher percentage of Kentucky adults support marijuana legalization in all situations or for recreational use. Thus, for medical marijuana medications, the patient must visit a 420 doctor in Kentucky.
Based on the historic House decision to legalize medicinal cannabis in February 2020, which occurred before COVID-19, and the tremendous citizen support, the legislation is anticipated to be one of the first up for a vote when the session reconvenes.
Get To Know The Process Of Medical Marijuana Card in Kentucky
The process of getting an MMJ card in Kentucky is simple and easy. Patients are required to fill in the form and submit all the required documents needed for the further process. Also, for the medical marijuana card, patients must be qualified under the State listed qualified ailments. It also carries a few steps that need to be followed by every patient to get an MMJ card. Thus, for the card process, patients must find an authorized clinic and experienced marijuana doctors. Hence, follow the below steps and get authorized for an MMJ card.
Make An Appointment With The Authorized Clinic
You can make an appointment to see a medical marijuana doctor in Kentucky with KIF at the most convenient time for you whenever you are available. Fill out a brief medical history form and schedule an appointment with a registered medical marijuana physician. You’ll require medical records, and the doctor can approve any qualifying condition.
Evaluation Of Medical Ailment With MMJ Doctor
Consult a doctor for 10-15 minutes to assess your symptoms and ask any questions you might have regarding medical marijuana treatment. After the appointment, if you are authorized, the doctor will fill out a medical marijuana recommendation form. You can then apply to the state once you have this.
Approval For Certification
You’ll register with the state and fill out an application once you’ve been accepted. Once the state is done with the process of application, they will notify you via email. After you’ve received your card, you can start purchasing medical marijuana medications at dispensaries. Patients in Kentucky will need to recertify their license every year by seeing a licensed physician. When your certification is about to expire, KIF will contact you to help you schedule a renewal consultation.
List Of Patients Who Qualify For Medical Marijuana Card Or Therapies
As medical marijuana is not yet legalised in the State of Kentucky thus, there are no qualified medical conditions. However, the state may include the following medical ailments while legalising medical marijuana programs in the State.
- Seizures and Epilepsy
- Terminal Illness
- Crohn’s Disease
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Chronic Pain
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome)
- Glaucoma
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- HIV/AIDS
A 420 evaluation in Kentucky is required whenever the state makes medical marijuana legal. This is a physical examination with a skilled practitioner to ensure that medical cannabis is a suitable therapeutic option for you. After legalisation, registration with the state’s medical cannabis program will be necessary. This includes the registration process as well as the payment of annual renewal fees. Many polls in Kentucky show that voters strongly support the legalization of medical marijuana. The Kentucky House of Representatives and Senate, on the other hand, is not.
Possession And Cultivation Rules In Kentucky
In Kentucky, it is unlawful to grow marijuana plants. Planting, producing, or harvesting marijuana to sell or transfer it falls under this category. A person with five or more plants is assumed to be cultivating for selling. The severity of the penalties varies depending on the offense. Marijuana trafficking covers the processing and sale of the drug (or possessing with the intent to do so). Marijuana trafficking is banned in Kentucky, and punishments vary depending on the offense.
Possessing or distributing drug paraphernalia is unlawful in Kentucky (or manufacture or possess paraphernalia with the intent to distribute it). It’s also against the law to promote products that you know (or should know) are created or intended to be used as drug paraphernalia. Items used in growing, harvesting, processing, selling, storing, or using marijuana are paraphernalia. A violation of any of these statutes is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, a period of imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: An MMJ evaluation is very important for patients who are seeking marijuana medications or therapies. The evaluation process will help the doctor to know more about your medical ailment and approve you for an MMJ card.
Ans: With the medical marijuana card, a patient has legal access to use marijuana medications and therapies. Thus, the process of getting an MMJ card is simple and easy.
Ans: To contact the MMJ doctor in Kentucky, you must fill out an application form for an authorised clinic. Following that, the clinic will evaluate your application and connect you with a licenced doctor.
Ans: Yes, after one year, patients need to renew their MMJ cards. Without the renewal, patients cannot access marijuana medications or therapies after one year. Thus, for the renewal, patients should revisit their licenced marijuana doctor.