Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in Puerto Rico
1. Legal Status Overview
- Medical Marijuana: Legal with a valid license and under regulation.
- Recreational Marijuana: Illegal for all uses, with criminal penalties for possession.
2. Medical Marijuana
Legalization Timeline
- 2015: An executive order authorizing medical marijuana was issued by Governor Alejandro García Padilla.
- 2017: The Puerto Rican Legislative Assembly passed the Medicinal Cannabis Act (Act 42-2017) to formalize the program.
Eligible Conditions
Medical marijuana is permitted for patients diagnosed with specific health conditions, including:
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety disorders
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Application Process
To access medical cannabis, patients must:
- Ask a qualified medical professional for a referral.
- Register with the Puerto Rico Department of Health via the Medicinal Cannabis Regulatory Board (JREF).
- Receive a medical cannabis ID card.
Permitted Forms
- Oils and tinctures
- Capsules and pills
- Edibles
- Topical creams
- Vaporizable products
Note: Smoking marijuana is strictly prohibited, even for medical patients.
Possession Limits
Patients can possess a 30-day supply of cannabis, as defined by their doctor.
3. Recreational Marijuana
Legal Status
- Illegal for all personal or non-medical use.
- Possession is treated as a misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Fines
- Probation
- Possible jail time for repeat offenses
4. Regulation and Enforcement
Oversight Body
- The Medicinal Cannabis Regulatory Board (JREF) handles:
- Patient and physician registration
- Licensing dispensaries, cultivators, and manufacturers
- Ensuring compliance with safety and security standards
Compliance
- Strict inspections and reporting protocols apply to all licensed entities.
- Unauthorized sale, cultivation, or possession is subject to criminal enforcement.
5. Conclusion
Marijuana in Puerto Rico is legal only for certified medical purposes and heavily regulated. Recreational use remains unlawful, though future reforms are possible.
