Qualifying Conditions

The State of Kentucky requires that potential patients have at least one of the following qualifying conditions certified by a medical cannabis practitioner:

• Any type or form of cancer;
• Chronic or severe pain;
• Epilepsy or other intractable seizure disorder; 
• Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity;
• Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome; or
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis that provide a variety of therapeutic effects by interacting with receptors throughout your body.

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): Strong antiinflammatory pain killer, bronchodilator, muscle relaxant, and neuroprotectant, amongst other qualities.
• CBD (cannabidiol): Reduces anxiousness and nausea, is anti-convulsion, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotectant, amongst other qualities. 

Strain Categories

Medical cannabis strains are broadly categorized as Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid.

• Indica: Typically produces a full body sensation, typically used for nighttime medicating.
• Sativa: Typically produces a cerebral (head) sensation. Typically used for daytime medicating.
• Hybrid: Mixed strains, Indica dominant or Sativa dominant, and can provide a balanced effect.

Product Supply Limits - Kentucky Resident

Product Supply Limits - Out of State Visitor

Oral Ingestion (edibles, capsules, tinctures, liquids, pills)

How long does it take to feel the effects?

Oils, tinctures, capsules, or other edible forms for oral administration can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours for patients to feel effects. 

How long will the effects last?

Depending on your metabolism and the dose consumed, oral forms of administration could last anywhere from 4-8 hours. 

How could this product be beneficial to me?

Products such as edibles, capsules and tinctures could provide hours of relief to a patient from just a single dose. In most cases, these products are also offered in high doses of CBD and low doses of THC. This means these products could be consumed and provide hours of relief for minor aches and pains with minimal psychoactive effects. 

Will this product work for every ailment?

Edibles could be beneficial if used correctly. Patients that have more persistent, chronic ailments typically feel more relief with edibles. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties linked to your CB2 receptors within your immune system. Edibles could help provide long lasting relief with no irritation to your lungs or respiratory system.

Topicals (patches, creams, lotions)

How long does it take to feel the effects?

Products applied to the skin are typically fully absorbed within 30 minutes. Proper absorption depends on factors such as skin integrity as well as where products are applied.

How long will the effects last?

Topicals could last anywhere from 3-5 hours.

How could this product be beneficial to me?

With the use of topicals, there is no need to risk irritation to your lungs or respiratory system.

Will this product work for every ailment?

While topicals are wonderful for some, they don’t work for everyone. Patients that have more persistent, chronic ailments generally need something stronger to feel any sort of relief.

Vaporization (plant material, oils)

How long does it take to feel the effects?

When cannabinoids are vaporized, noticeable effects are displayed within minutes.

How long will the effects last?

Depending on the dose, patients typically feel the effects of vaporizing for 2-3 hours.Keep in mind, the faster the effects of a product are felt, the faster the effects will wear off. 

How could this product be beneficial to me?

Inhalation delivers fast results for those seeking quick relief. Some patients will vaporize for short-term relief while waiting for their edible to activate within their system.

Will this product work for every ailment?

While vaporizing is less harmful for the respiratory system than smoking, a lot of patients don’t want to risk it. Patients with ailments affecting the respiratory system should consider a different method of administration.

Dosage Information

The amount of THC and other cannabinoids, directions for use, and amount per serving can be found on the packaging of the medical cannabis. Dosing varies by product. To avoid potential side effects, it is recommended to start at a low dose and increase the dosage slowly over time.

Effects and Impairment

It is important to never drive, operate machinery, or conduct work that could harm people while consuming medical cannabis. Consuming medical cannabis can cause certain effects that may include:

• Altered sense
• Altered sense of time
• Changes in mood
• Impaired body movement
• Difficulting thinking and problem solving
• Impaired memory
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Psychosis

When it is Harmful

Discuss all your medical conditions and other medications you take with your health care provider prior to starting medical cannabis. The following conditions may have negative interactions with cannabis use:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Arrhythmias
• Poorly controlled hypertension
• Severe heart failure
• History of psychotic disorder
• Pregnancy or nursing

How to Obtain Appropriate Services or Treatment

If you or a loved one is experiencing medical cannabis abuse, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or KY HELP Statewide Call Center at 1-8338-KY-HELP for free and confidential help. 

Adverse Effects Reporting

• If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room immediately. If a child or someone you know accidentally consumes medical cannabis, call the Kentucky Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. 
• If you are having a non-life-threatening adverse effect, speak to your healthcare provider and report the incident at kymedcan.ky.gov or call (502) 564-7907. When reporting an adverse effect, please complete the online form and provide a photo, receipt, or image of the product and label. 
• For accidental consumption by pets, contact the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435.

How to Store Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis should always be stored in their original containers and packaging and kept out of sight and reach of children. We recommend storing your medical cannabis in a secure storage container, such as a lockbox specifically designed for medications, and place it in an elevated or inaccessible location.