Is Marijuana Legal in Puerto Rico?

Craving the scoop on Puerto Rico’s green wave?

With the surge of pro-cannabis legislation across various states, it’s no surprise that people want to know where Puerto Rico stands on this controversial topic. 

Whether you’re a traveler looking for some relaxation, or a local seeking more information, we’ve got everything you need to know about marijuana legalization in Puerto Rico. So put on your reading glasses and let’s dive right into it!

What are the medical marijuana laws in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico’s medical marijuana laws are still in their early stages. The island’s first medical marijuana dispensary opened in December 2016, and the Puerto Rican government is still working on regulations for the industry. 

However, patients with a qualifying condition can already get a medical marijuana card by registering with the Department of Health. Qualifying conditions include cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, and PTSD.

Medical cannabis laws in Puerto Rico

Since 2016, the use of medical cannabis has been legal in Puerto Rico. However, there are still some restrictions on who can use it and how it can be obtained. 

For example, patients must be over 18 years old and have a valid medical ID card in order to purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary. 

The law also requires that all cannabis products be tested by a third-party laboratory before they are sold to patients.

So far, only a handful of dispensaries have been licensed to operate in Puerto Rico. This is due in part to the high cost of setting up a laboratory and obtaining the necessary permits. As a result, many patients have turned to the black market to obtain their medicine.

The Puerto Rican government is currently working on expanding the number of licensed dispensaries and making it easier for patients to access them. 

They are also working on creating more regulations around the cultivation and sale of cannabis products.

Recreational cannabis laws in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico legalized the use of medical marijuana in 2015, and in 2018, the Puerto Rican government passed a law decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of recreational cannabis. However, it is still not legal to buy or sell cannabis in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico’s medical marijuana laws are some of the most permissive in the United States. 

Patients with a wide variety of conditions can qualify for a medical marijuana card, including cancer, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Once a patient has been approved for a card, they can purchase cannabis from one of the island’s three licensed dispensaries.

The Puerto Rican government has also taken steps to make it easier for patients to access medical marijuana. In 2016, the government launched a program that allows patients to grow their own cannabis at home. 

And in 2017, the government started allowing dispensaries to deliver medical marijuana to patients’ homes.

Recreational cannabis laws in Puerto Rico are much less permissive than medical marijuana laws. Possessing small amounts of cannabis is now decriminalized, but it is still not legal to buy or sell cannabis.

Which Medical Conditions Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Puerto Rico?

There are a few medical conditions that automatically qualify a person for a medical marijuana card in Puerto Rico. 

These include: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, and any chronic or debilitating disease or condition that produces one or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy; or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those characteristic of multiple sclerosis. 

However, this is not an exhaustive list, and other conditions may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

How do I get certified for medical cannabis in Puerto Rico?

To be certified for medical cannabis in Puerto Rico, you must be a resident of the island and have a valid Puerto Rican ID or driver’s license. 

You must also obtain a certification from a licensed physician in Puerto Rico that states that you have a qualifying medical condition. The list of qualifying medical conditions is as follows:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy
• Severe and chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• Muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis

To get started, you can find a licensed physician by visiting the website of the Department of Health’s Medical Cannabis Program. 

Once you have obtained your certification, you will need to register with the program in order to receive your medical cannabis card. The registration process is completed online through the same website.

Is telemedicine allowed for medical cannabis consultations in Puerto Rico?

Telemedicine is the use of electronic communications to enable health care providers to share patient information and consult with each other at a distance. It is allowed for medical cannabis consultations in Puerto Rico.

The Puerto Rico Department of Health has approved the use of telemedicine for medical cannabis consultations. 

This means that patients can consult with their doctors about medical cannabis through video conferencing, email, or phone.

Telemedicine is a convenient way for patients to get the information they need about medical cannabis. It also allows doctors to provide patients with individualized care and advice.

How much cannabis can I possess in Puerto Rico with an MMJ Card?

Cannabis possession laws in Puerto Rico are a bit more complicated than in other states. If you have an MMJ card, you can possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis. 

However, if you do not have an MMJ card, you can only possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis.

Is it legal to grow cannabis in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, and as such, federal laws regarding cannabis apply. 

Cannabis is illegal under federal law, and although some states have legalized it for medicinal or recreational use, Puerto Rico has not. 

There are currently no laws in Puerto Rico that legalize cannabis in any capacity.

Does Puerto Rico accept out-of-state cards?

Puerto Rico does not have any laws regarding the use or possession of marijuana, so it is technically legal. 

However, there are no dispensaries or other places to legally purchase marijuana, so anyone wanting to use it would have to grow their own or get it from someone who grows it. 

There are also no laws in place regarding the use of medical marijuana, so it is not currently an option for patients.

Will my Puerto Rico card be accepted in other states?

Yes, your Puerto Rico card will be accepted in other states that have legalized marijuana. 

This is because Puerto Rico is part of the United States, and the federal government has recognized that marijuana is legal in Puerto Rico.

Are there employment laws protecting medical cannabis card holders in Puerto Rico?

Yes, there are employment laws protecting medical cannabis card holders in Puerto Rico. 

The Puerto Rico Medical Cannabis Act, which was enacted in 2014, provides legal protections for patients and caregivers who use medical cannabis with a valid doctor’s recommendation. 

The act prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who are medical cannabis cardholders, and it also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees’ medical cannabis use.

What are the medical cannabis product testing requirements in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico has strict requirements for testing medical cannabis products. All products must be tested for potency and purity by an independent, third-party laboratory. 

The results of these tests must be made available to patients and caregivers. Products that do not meet these requirements will not be sold in Puerto Rico.

Where is it safe to purchase cannabis in Puerto Rico?

There are a few safe places to purchase cannabis in Puerto Rico, but it is important to do your research before making a purchase. 

The safest place to buy cannabis is at a licensed dispensary. These dispensaries are regulated by the government and must meet strict safety and quality standards. 

There are also a number of online retailers that sell safe, high-quality cannabis products. However, it is important to make sure that you only purchase from reputable sellers with positive reviews. 

Finally, you can always ask your friends or family members if they know of any good places to buy cannabis.

Where is it safe to consume marijuana in Puerto Rico?

Although marijuana is not legal in Puerto Rico, there are some safe places to consume it. One such place is the Rincón Cannabis Club, which is a members-only club that offers a safe and comfortable environment for marijuana users. 

The club has a strict set of rules and regulations that members must follow, and it provides a variety of amenities such as a lounge area, a smoking area, and a dab bar. 

Another safe place to consume marijuana is at home, provided that the user takes proper precautions. 

Home consumption should take place in a well-ventilated area, and all materials should be properly disposed of afterwards.

Resources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_Puerto_Rico
• https://norml.org/laws/medical-laws/puerto-rico-medical-marijuana-law/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis
• https://www.safeaccessnow.org/becoming_a_patient_in_puerto_rico