Medical cannabis cardholder certifications are rolling out in Kentucky

Medical cannabis cards have begun to roll out in the Commonwealth. Nearly 4,000 applications have been submitted, and 2,200 cards have been approved for Kentuckians with qualifying conditions.

One of the first to be issued a card, Dr. Ryan Grell is a triple board-certified anesthesiologist, physician, and licensed practitioner for prescribing medical marijuana. He said he’s personally seen the difference medical cannabis can make in a patient’s life.

“There’s a mountain of scientific evidence showing that cannabis is a safe and effective medicine. Patients should not be forced to use more dangerous medications that are addictive like opioids to treat their illnesses,” Grell said. “Programs like the one Governor Beshear has created make better treatments possible. The Kentucky Medical Cannabis program ensures patients have legal, safe, and reliable access to crucial medicine.”

Officials said 81 medical cannabis cultivators, processors, testing labs, and dispensaries have been licensed in Kentucky. Further, over 330 doctors and nurses have been registered as medical cannabis practitioners. Together, they have written certifications for 6,500 patients.

Marissa Kumalo, a former teacher for Fayette County, now working in digital marketing, was one of the first cardholders approved. She said she’s excited about the program because she thinks it will expand healthcare access.

“Medical Cannabis puts the patients in charge of their healthcare decisions, letting them work with providers to find the right strains, doses, and administration methods that are right for them,” Kumalo said. “Through medical cannabis, Kentuckians get an alternative to opioids and have more control over their treatment options.”

She added that some Kentuckians suffer from chronic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and other illness, and believes medical cannabis can help comfort them.