LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Medical marijuana is now legal in Kentucky, but getting the access to the treatment is a unique process.

As of right now, there aren’t any medical cannabis dispensaries open in the Commonwealth. But, qualified Kentuckians can start taking steps to get their medical marijuana cards.

Kentucky’s law says those qualifying conditions include cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscle issues, chronic nausea and vomiting and PTSD.

“We just need a medical record from a physician or a therapist saying you have this diagnosis and if you don’t have it, actually, you’ll sit with me a little bit longer and I will diagnose you,” Kentucky Marijuana Card Nurse Practitioner Dr. Lisa Highland says.

Once diagnosed, nurse practitioners like Dr. Highland can officially certify the patient for a medical marijuana card.

Then, patients have to fill out a state application and attach a notarized signature page.

“All of our staff at all of our offices in Kentucky are all notaries so they can help you through that process,” Kentucky Marijuana Card President Cassandra Brooks says.

Then, patients have to wait about 30 days for their application to be approved by the state.

Brooks tells us this waiting period has made some patients nervous.

“But, I assured them that that is the process in a lot of our states and that we will continue to work with them,” Brooks says. “We are here… six days a week to answer their questions [and] guide them through that process.

Dr. Highland says she’s excited to offer medical marijuana as a better option for patients.

“I’ve also worked in addiction, so I’ve seen what prescription opiates and benzos have done to people, and how it causes them to have lifelong complications. Also, the medications that most people are on for chronic pain, chronic arthritis, [are] NSAIDs and Tylenol — long term use of both of those is not good for your heart, or your kidneys, or your liver,” Dr. Highland says.

For now, Brooks says she’s not sure when medical marijuana dispensaries will open in Kentucky.

Until then, Brooks says anyone with questions can reach out to Kentucky Marijuana Card. Their contact information can be found on their website.

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