Medical cannabis
Kentucky Medical Cannabis Evaluations
Kentucky's medical cannabis program was created by Senate Bill 47, signed by Governor Andy Beshear on March 31, 2023, and launched in 2025. We provide the medical evaluation and certification side of that program — nothing else.
We do not supply cannabis of any kind
Louisville Behavioral Health Systems does not grow, sell, stock or dispense cannabis products. If you are certified, product is obtained only through a licensed Kentucky dispensary. What we provide is the evaluation, the written certification where it is appropriate, and clear education about what you are taking on.
What the evaluation covers
- Your medical history and current diagnoses
- Every medication and supplement you take, and how cannabis could interact
- What you have already tried and how it went
- Whether your situation meets Kentucky's qualifying criteria
- An honest recommendation, including when the answer is no
Education on risks and side effects
Medical cannabis is a medication, and like every medication it has a risk profile. We go over the effects you should expect, the ones that should concern you, the interaction risk with sedatives and other prescriptions, effects on driving and work, and the specific caution required for anyone with a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or a substance use disorder.
Reporting adverse effects
If something goes wrong — unexpected sedation, anxiety, confusion, a reaction with another medication — we want to hear about it. We will document what happened, adjust the plan, and guide you through reporting the adverse effect through the appropriate state and dispensary channels. In an emergency, call 911.
This is a separate service
Medical cannabis evaluation has no connection to LivingFree365, our Suboxone outpatient program for opioid pain-medication dependency. They are different services with different purposes, and we keep them clearly apart.
What happens next
- 1Request an appointment and note that you are asking about a medical cannabis evaluation.
- 2We confirm cost up front — certification evaluations are frequently not covered by insurance.
- 3You attend a full evaluation appointment in our Louisville office and receive a clear, documented answer.
Prefer to talk? Call (502) 454-8800. We respond within one business day.
Common questions
Does Louisville Behavioral Health Systems supply medical cannabis?
No. We do not grow, sell, stock or dispense cannabis in any form. Our role is the medical evaluation and written certification, plus education. Product is obtained only through a licensed Kentucky dispensary.
What is Senate Bill 47?
Kentucky Senate Bill 47 is the state law establishing a medical cannabis program. Governor Andy Beshear signed it on March 31, 2023, and the program launched in 2025.
Does a certification guarantee I qualify?
No. An evaluation is an honest medical assessment. If your situation does not meet the state's qualifying criteria, or if we do not believe it is the right option for you, we will tell you and discuss alternatives.
Will you keep prescribing my other medications?
If you are our patient, yes — and we will discuss how cannabis may interact with what you already take. This is a large part of why an evaluation belongs with a physician who knows your history.
What if I have a bad reaction?
Stop use and contact us. We will document the reaction and advise on next steps, including reporting the adverse effect through the appropriate channels. In an emergency, call 911.
Request an appointment
Tell us how to reach you and what you're looking for. We'll confirm your insurance, answer your questions, and find a time that works. No long intake before you hear from a person.
- We respond within one business day.
- Most insurance accepted, including TRICARE and Medicare.
- In-office visits on Newburg Road, plus telehealth.