Kentucky Cannabis and Marijuana License

Kentucky is one of the US states that still resist making the use of cannabis legal within the state. Even though residents cannot buy and use cannabis publicly, there are some exceptions. The use of hemp-derived CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC is available.

Nowadays,  Kentucky has no medical marijuana program. Yet, government lawmakers seem to surrender in the nearest future. That is because many attempts have been made to propose amendments to cannabis use. Thus it is useful to know how to prepare paperwork for the future medical program beforehand.

First, you will need to get a certified doctor, who will find whether you match certain qualifying conditions or not. After that, provide the necessary paperwork and wait for the results. Medical registration allows patients to buy and use cannabis legally, preventing any prosecution. It is easier to get a grower’s or a handler’s license as the appropriate program is already running.

The Department of Agriculture handles the licensing processes. First, decide what kind the hemp product should be. Choose among flower materials, cereals, fibers. Then, find a handler for your harvest. Apply for a hemp grower’s license from the KDA. Note that the Department sets deadlines for applicants. Currently, the deadline for hemp grower’s and handler’s licenses is closed. Renewal applications are accepted by December 31st.

History of Kentucky cannabis and marijuana license

The state of Kentucky was once one of the largest hemp cultivators within the U.S. It started cannabis growth in the late 1700s and kept the status of the biggest cultivators in the 20 century.

At the beginning of the 1900s, state authorities started a big anti-weed policy. However, in the midst of the century, a short amnesty period was launched. It aimed to fight against hashish imports from Asia.

The reforms to extend opportunities for cannabis use came in 2014. Farm bills allowed the growth of hemp-derived plants legally. Moreover, SB 124 allowed qualified persons to use CBD products. According to SB 124, a written prescription from a doctor can qualify a person as a patient. The doctor should work at a hospital or treatment center related to Kentucky public university. The patient is also considered a person, who takes part in clinical experiments where the patient gets cannabis for use, approved by Drug Administration and US Food Administration.

The last law upon cannabis operation and use passed in 2017. HB 333 extended the recreation and possession of cannabis. Entities can use and retail CBD products that contain up to 0.3% THC.

Medical cannabis program

Currently, the state of Kentucky has no medical marijuana program. However, it seems that the government lawmakers will soon surrender. That is because many attempts have been made to propose amendments to cannabis use. The last time Kentucky lawmakers tried to legalize cannabis use was earlier this year. Hence, it is useful for certain residents to know the procedure of preparing documents for legal weed use. Kentucky Department of Public H will probably handle the regulations for the process.

Certain websites already suggest you schedule appointments with a doctor for further qualification. So, what should residents know about the documentation process? Initially, to be eligible for the use of medical weed, you should get a medical card. A Kentucky medical cannabis card is an ID card, that you will receive after successfully passing the registration.

The design of medical cards in Kentucky is still unknown as the government has banned the related law. However, it will probably look like other states’ medical cards. It will contain your photo, information about your date of birth, and your special ID number.

Medical cards in all states give patients more privileges than common residents. The amount of weed can be higher than it is allowed to other residents.

Qualifying conditions for a Kentucky cannabis and marijuana license

Having any of these diseases will lead you to your medical card:

• Glaucoma
• Cancer
• Persistent pain
• Epilepsy
• Autism
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Sickle cell anemia
• Crohn syndrome
• Colitis Gravis
• Feebleness
• Motion sickness
• Untreatable disease

Once you have or suspect to have any of these conditions, you should be diagnosed by a doctor. The certified physician should approve whether you are qualified to use cannabis for medical goals.

Initially, you should arrange an appointment with your doctor. During the consultation, you and the doctor will discuss details about your diseases and current situation. Note to bring records about the last treatments, as well as much information about your condition. That will increase the possibility of getting the doctor’s approval.

The certification is the next step once your doctor is sure your diseases match the mentioned qualifying conditions. Thereby, he will decide that the treatment is the best option for you. He will give you a written recommendation.

After you get your certificate, the Department will review it. When the yearly fees are paid, they will add you to the patient list and send your card.

Required Documents

Once you get the doctor’s recommendation, note to submit the following documents to complete the application process.

• The Physician’s Written recommendation
• Application
• A copy of your Kentucky state ID or driver’s license
• Application fees

What privileges does a medical cannabis card give?

Legal Defense

When the government passes a law for the legalization of cannabis, the owners of the medical cards will have several advantages. They can show their cads to police officers if necessary. They will also buy, use, keep weed products freely.

Access to Treatment Centers

The state laws of other countries allow specialized treatment centers to sell weed products. Thus, qualified patients will have the right to buy products from certified dispensaries. The card gives unlimited access to any of the dispensaries. The sale of cannabis is available in various forms, including edible products, creams, lotions, and oils. Tinticures and plant materials for vapes are also available.

Access to the Other States

The medical card will give you access to all state-licensed dispensaries without any legal problems. However, you can move further with your medical card. There is an anticipated policy among US states to have an exchange program. That means that your medical card will be acceptable in other states as well.

The list of states is still unknown. However, as the policy is widespread within US states, we could suppose that Kentucky will not be an exception.

Effective Therapy

If you are a qualifying patient, it is strongly recommended that you undergo cannabis treatment under the supervision of a licensed doctor. The licensed specialist has special training and proper background. The cannabis and marijuana special courses allow specialists to take on the deal seriously.

Kentucky cannabis and marijuana license. Is hemp cultivation legal in Kentucky?

Licensed farmers and possessors can grow, cultivate and produce hemp. Still, the Department of Agriculture gives license for legal operation. Besides, hemp products should not exceed 0.3% THC. According to state laws, country residents can use weed products, but not hemp flowers.

It is worth mentioning that KDA gives persistent licenses to retailers and growers. Still, those licenses should be renewed every year.

If you have decided to change the place or the size of your plot, it will demand extra payment. That is why the Department of Agriculture requires growers and retailers to provide final proposals. It will help to escape from problems with the modifications of plots.

All participants should pass personal history check every year. Note that the deadline for the 2021 grower license and renewal is over. The last day was March 15. Still, you can apply for retailer licenses. License applications are accepted all year. Nevertheless, you can apply for license renewal by December 31.

If you want to apply for the license in paper form, they will cost an extra $200. Online applications need no extra charges. Entities and business companies can view the application form via the licensing portal. Grower or retailer license forms are available.

The Department warns that all costs related to hemp production are under the liability of the licensee. Future license holders should understand that the KDA does not fund any of the programs. Moreover, now it is more probable that they may have a failure on the weed crop.

There are always risks in hemp production. They include both unsteady price policy and pending state rules.

How can I start growing hemp?

• Initially, you should decide what kind of hemp you want to grow. There are various options. For example, flower material, cereal, fiber.
• Search for a retailer for your harvest.
• Apply for a hemp grower’s license from the KDA.
• Legally get hemp seeds.
• Get acquainted with the right approaches on how to grow hemp plants.

University applications

Applications for university researches are accepted year-round. Thus, university researchers should submit university application forms. Once they get the license, they can buy and produce hemp flowers, seeds, etc., for research purposes.

Fines and penalties

The Kentucky law states, it is illegal to sell leaf materials, and seeds to common residents. That applies to those, who have no grower’s or retailer’s license. The possession of cannabis without a license is punishable. It supposes a maximum $250 fine and up to 45 days of imprisonment.

Growing cannabis illegally is fined in the amount of up to $1000. One to five-year imprisonment is also possible. Note that this amount is available if a person grows up to 5 or more plants. If an entity cultivates up to 4 plants, this is a Class “A” felony. It supposes up to a $500 fine and a maximum of a year in jail.

Penalties for transferring weed

Transferring less than 8 ounces of cannabis is a Class “A” misdemeanor. Up to a $500 penalty and a maximum of a year of imprisonment are available.

Transferring more than 8 ounces of cannabis supposes a fine between $1000 and $10.000. One to five years in jail is possible.

Transferring more than 5 pounds of cannabis is a Class “C” crime. It means a fine of $1000 to $10.000. A 5 to 10-year custody is also available.