The legalization of medical marijuana is near in the commonwealth with a program kickoff of Jan. 1, 2025, and plenty wanting to participate.

“Since Dec. 1 of 2024, so that’s just the last 18 days, over 1,800 Kentuckians have visited one of our registered practitioners and received written certifications,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in his Team Kentucky update Thursday, meaning more than 100 daily.

The conditions that have received the most written certifications are chronic pain with 1,374 followed by post-traumatic stress disorder with 599 and multiple sclerosis with 216.

Currently, more than 220 physicians are authorized to write certifications, Beshear said, one of the multiple steps to obtaining a medical marijuana card.

Kentucky Medical Marijuana Apply for a medical marijuana card in Kentucky: Here’s how and when you can do it.

Who qualifies in Kentucky for a medical marijuana card?

According to the Kentucky General Assembly Cabinet for Health and Family Services, applicants who may qualify for medical marijuana in Kentucky must be a state resident (with a few exceptions), have no felony record, have a qualifying medical condition, and have visited a licensed practitioner and received a written certification to use medical cannabis. Applications can be submitted with the Office of Medical Cannabis starting Jan. 1.

Where can I find a doctor to prescribe medical marijuana in Kentucky?

The Office of Medical Cannabis offers an authorized practitioner directory on its website where potential medical card applicants can search for a certified doctor by city, county, zip code or specialty.

There are 65 authorized practitioners Jefferson County as of Wednesday, according to the state database.

How long will Kentucky’s medical marijuana approval process take?

According to the Kentucky General Assembly, the cabinet will acknowledge receiving a first-time or renewal application within 15 days of the receipt, and approve or deny it within 30 days of receiving a completed application.

A written notice will be sent, saying the application was approved or denied. If denied, reasoning will be included. If approved, qualifying patients will receive their identification card within five days of the approval. Those younger than 18 will be denied a card without a caregiver.

How much does a medical marijuana license in Kentucky cost?

Medical marijuana applications will cost $25 in Kentucky. Application fees are nonrefundable and require a credit card or automated clearing house transfer.

What conditions qualify for medical cannabis in Kentucky?

Current conditions eligible for medical marijuana in Kentucky include:

• All types and forms of cancer, regardless of the stage
• Chronic, severe, intractable, or debilitating pain
• Epilepsy or any other intractable seizure disorder
• Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity
• Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome that has proven resistant to other conventional medical treatments
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

What information is required for a medical marijuana application in Kentucky?

The registry identification card application form is available on the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program website. Applicants who believe they qualify must include:

• Full name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, social security number and driver’s license number of qualifying patient
• Written certification from a medical cannabis practitioner for qualifying patient
• Name, address and telephone number of the patient’s medical cannabis practitioner
• For those who are designating a caregiver, the full name, address, phone number, email address and date of birth of up to two individuals chosen by the patient as the caregiver
• Application fee of $25
• Question on whether patients want to receive notifications from the cabinet on clinical trials surrounding medical marijuana use
• An attestation to share cardholder information with licensed dispensaries and law enforcement
• A notarized signature page ensuring accurate personal information, understanding of cannabis laws, etc.

How long will a medical marijuana card stay valid in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, a medical marijuana card will be valid for one year, unless indicated by the practitioner to end access sooner. Patients can apply for renewal once the card expires.

Reporter Olivia Evans contributed. Contact breaking news reporter Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.