The Status of Cannabis Legalization in Puerto Rico
Medical cannabis in Puerto Rico is a booming industry. In the 9 years since medical cannabis was legalized, the government has issued 77 dispensary licenses. Over 40 dispensaries have opened across the island.
In 2015, Governor Alejandro García Padilla signed the Medical Cannabis Act. This act officially legalized medical cannabis for over 20 qualifying conditions.
The Medical Cannabis Act establishes the framework for the territory’s medical program. The act dictates guidelines for the cultivation, processing, and distribution of medical cannabis in Puerto Rico.
These laws are overseen by the Medical Cannabis Regulatory Board. This board also issues licenses to businesses within the medical marijuana industry–such as dispensaries and grow houses.
In 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi signed Act 15, which expanded the Medical Cannabis Act. Act 15 expands the employment rights of medical cannabis patients in Puerto Rico. Under this act, no employer may discriminate against potential employees who are registered and licensed medical cannabis patients in recruitment, hiring, termination, or other employment conditions.
This protection does not extend to cases in which the use of medical cannabis presents a threat of harm or interferes with the patient’s job performance. Additionally, the protection vanishes if the employee’s medical cannabis usage exposes the employer to the loss of any license, permit, or certification. Patients also may not use cannabis in the workplace without written authorization.
Patient Qualifying Conditions
The following conditions qualify patients for medical cannabis use under Puerto Rico law.
- Any chronic condition or symptom
- AIDS/HIV
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Cachexia
- Cancer
- Chemotherapy Side-Effects
- Chronic Pain
- Coeliac Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS)
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Radiation Therapy Side-Effects
- Severe Nausea
- Seizures
Caregivers
The Puerto Rico medical marijuana program refers to caregivers as Authorized Companions.
Authorized Companions must be at least 21 years old. The parent or Authorized Companion will represent the minor patient during the application process. They will then be responsible for purchasing the medical cannabis and providing it to the minor in their care.
Possession and Cultivation Limits
Registered patients in Puerto Rico can possess up to 30 days’ worth of medical cannabis at a time. The law dictates a daily amount of 1 ounce (28 grams) of flower or 8 grams of THC in concentrate or edible form.
Cultivation at personal residence is not legal under Puerto Rico’s medical cannabis program.
Frequently Asked Questions
After you receive your approval, you must apply to the Puerto Rico medicinal cannabis program via the Medical Cannabis Licensing website. After your application is approved, you’ll receive your card and can start purchasing medical cannabis.
Join our waitlist to be notified when we’re booking appointments for approval in your territory.
Yes, Puerto Rico allows medical marijuana for patients diagnosed with one or more of the state’s 23 qualifying conditions. Patients must be at least 21 years old and maintain a bonafide relationship with their healthcare provider.
Out-of-state patients may purchase from dispensaries in Puerto Rico.
No, you cannot purchase cannabis from a dispensary without a medical card.
Yes, Puerto Rico’s medical marijuana program accepts medical cards from out-of-state patients.
A number of U.S. states and territories accept Puerto Rico medical cannabis cards. These states include Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, and Washington, D.C.
Registered patients in Puerto Rico can possess up to 30 days’ worth of medical cannabis at a time. The law dictates a daily amount of 1 ounce (28 grams) of flower or 8 grams of THC in concentrate or edible form.