As Kentucky’s medical cannabis program evolves, physicians and nurse practitioners (APRNs) are becoming key players in certifying patients for medical cannabis treatment. These professionals must be licensed in the state and registered with the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis to prescribe medical marijuana.
Perry Colley, a local nurse practitioner certified to issue medical cannabis certificates, explains that before writing any prescription, he first establishes a relationship with the patient. This relationship includes reviewing medical records, discussing current health concerns, and determining if the patient qualifies for medical cannabis treatment. “You establish a relationship with somebody, you go over their medical records, you talk through kind of what’s going on with them,” Colley said. “If they meet one of the qualification criteria, then essentially, they are approved for that condition.”
How the Prescription Process Works
Colley emphasizes that he writes a recommended dosage and suggests types of products, but does not dictate how patients should consume the cannabis. While medical cannabis can be used in various forms, including topicals, edibles, vapes, and suppositories, smoking raw plant material is prohibited in Kentucky dispensaries. “Once they get to the dispensary, and they have that card, it’s going to allow them to purchase up to a certain amount based on what the card says,” Colley explained. “With that, they kind of have free range as far as what they want to purchase.”
Patients who are certified can receive a prescription that’s valid for 60 days following the in-person consultation. After that, practitioners can renew the certification for another 60 days without requiring another in-person visit. However, they must ensure patients follow up at least once every 60 days. Colley’s approach includes writing the initial certification and following up with patients every six months to monitor their progress.
Costs and Appointment Details
The cost for an appointment with a medical cannabis practitioner varies based on the provider, but Colley charges $150 for an initial consultation. This fee includes a review of medical records, discussion of risks, benefits, side effects, and issuing the cannabis certification.
“It’s really a thorough process,” Colley said, emphasizing the importance of understanding the potential benefits and risks of medical cannabis treatment.
Expanding the List of Qualifying Conditions
In an effort to address a wider range of medical needs, the Kentucky Board of Physicians and Advisors has requested the General Assembly add 14 new qualifying conditions for medical cannabis certification. These include conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, HIV, and glaucoma, among others. If approved, these additions will make medical cannabis available to a broader group of patients in the state.
The expansion of qualifying conditions reflects a growing awareness of the potential benefits of cannabis as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This move also reflects the state’s commitment to making medical cannabis treatment accessible to those who may benefit from it.
The Future of Medical Cannabis in Kentucky
As Kentucky continues to implement its medical cannabis program, the landscape of healthcare in the state is likely to shift. With practitioners like Colley leading the way in prescribing medical cannabis, more patients are gaining access to this alternative treatment option. As more conditions are considered for inclusion and dispensaries open across the state, Kentucky’s approach to medical cannabis could serve as a model for other states looking to expand their programs.
