{"id":3290,"date":"2015-09-30T00:09:26","date_gmt":"2015-09-30T00:09:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.medicalmarijuanainc.com\/?p=4080"},"modified":"2015-09-30T00:09:26","modified_gmt":"2015-09-30T00:09:26","slug":"puerto-rico-marijuana-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medicalmarijuanainc.com\/2015\/09\/30\/puerto-rico-marijuana-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"Puerto Rico Marijuana Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"

Puerto Rico became the second Caribbean entity, after Jamaica, to legalize medical marijuana after Gov. Alejandro Garc\u00eda Padilla signed an executive order in 2015. Recreational marijuana remains illegal, however residents do have legal access to CBD hemp oil.<\/p>\n

Recreational Marijuana in Puerto Rico<\/h3>\n

Marijuana is a Schedule I(c) controlled substance under Puerto Rico Law, so the possession of marijuana for recreational use is still illegal. Penalties for possession include a felony charge, incarceration of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $5,000. Penalties for distribution include a felony charge, incarceration of up to 96 years and a fine of up to $80,000.<\/p>\n

Medical Marijuana in Puerto Rico<\/h3>\n

After years of debates and discussion, the U.S. island territory of Puerto Rico legalized medical marijuana on May 3rd<\/sup>, 2015. Gov. Alejandro Garc\u00eda Padilla signed an executive order, noting that several studies conducted in the United States had demonstrated the therapeutic value of marijuana and were a contributing factor in his decision to sign. The Puerto Rico Health Department is now able to authorize the use of marijuana and its derivatives for health reasons.<\/p>\n

Under the law, qualified patients can legally access marijuana pills, creams, patches and oral drops. Smoking and personally cultivating marijuana remains illegal.<\/p>\n

The territory\u2019s first three dispensaries opened days before 2017. They are allowed to serve medical marijuana to visitors that are qualified in other states. As of January 2, 2017, nearly 2,000 patients had registered with Puerto Rico\u2019s Department of Health to obtain medical marijuana.<\/p>\n

Under Puerto Rico\u2019s law, medical marijuana is approved for the following conditions:<\/p>\n