Are Kentucky medical marijuana cards real? What to know about the ads you see.

Next year the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program will go live, which is causing businesses, doctors and customers to start preparing now for the rollout of medical marijuana.

But what exactly can people legally do at this point?

Here's what we know:

Do I need a Kentucky medical marijuana or medical cannabis card now?

No.

Brice Mitchell, a spokesperson for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, told The Courier Journal the current legislation surrounding medical cannabis goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025, and at this time, no regulations have been issued on how individuals may become legal cardholders.

"Before the law goes into effect there is no need for a medical marijuana card," Gov. Andy Beshear said. "We’ve been made aware of reports that there are businesses not licensed or affiliated with the commonwealth that are advertising for medical marijuana cards for a fee. Those are not legitimate, most likely fraudulent, you should not try to secure a card through an advertisement that you have seen."

More: What are the 21 conditions that allow you to get medical marijuana in Kentucky?

Can I buy medical cannabis in Kentucky now?

No. The Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program is expected to start next year, and no licenses or permits have been given to businesses that will grow, process or sell medical cannabis products.

Can I buy medical marijuana in another state and use it in Kentucky?

Sort of.

In 2022, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order granting a pardon to people who are accused of possession of marijuana if specific conditions are satisfied.

The conditions include having the medical cannabis purchased legally in the U.S. but outside Kentucky, written proof of purchase, possessing less than 8 ounces of medical cannabis, and a written certification by a health care provider licensed to practice medicine in Kentucky showing a patient has been diagnosed with at least one qualifying condition.

More: Could marijuana become legal in Kentucky? Bill would allow 'personal use' of cannabis

Are businesses selling fake medical marijuana cards in Kentucky?

Yes.

The Attorney General's Office has received consumer complaints from Berea, Bronston, Louisville, Owenton and Richmond with people claiming to have been scammed by paying for a medical marijuana card at businesses in Kentucky, according to a public records request filed by The Courier Journal.

Can you get your money back if you bought a medical marijuana card?

There is no guarantee you will ever get your money back.

However, you can file a consumer complaint with the Attorney General's office. Then, the Attorney General's office can investigate and consider filing suit if it will protect the public interest, but the office cannot file suit for the sole purpose of recovering money for an individual.

What can I do to avoid being scammed into buying a fake medical marijuana card?

On Jan. 4 Beshear announced his administration has filed recommendations to expand the qualifying conditions for the state's medical cannabis program and 10 regulations covering all aspects of medical marijuana from growers and processors to dispensaries.

The regulations are still awaiting a public comment in March before they will go through the General Assembly and go into effect, so there is no need to try and buy a medical marijuana card until an announcement is made from the governor.

• Watch out for unrealistic claims, official-looking but poorly crafted documents, and requests for upfront payments

• Patients should be aware that they should not have to pay for these medical cannabis certifications. A simple letter of diagnosis from their physician confirming one of the conditions listed in the governor's executive order is sufficient. This letter is not a medical cannabis certification but serves as proof of eligibility for the pardon under the executive order.

• If in doubt, verify the service's legitimacy with health care professionals or your state's medical cannabis program before proceeding.

Gov. Beshear urges Kentuckians who believe they have been scammed to file a consumer complaint with the attorney general by calling the Consumer Protection hotline at 888-432-9257 and selecting option three. You can also file a consumer complaint online.

Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: When will Kentucky medical marijuana cards be available?