Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Puerto Rico?
Yes, medical marijuana has been legal in Puerto Rico since 2015 when Governor Alejandro García Padilla signed Executive Order Number2015-033, which established a regulatory framework for the use of medicinal cannabis. However, recreational marijuana use remains illegal.
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For Medical Marijuana in Puerto Rico?
According to the Department of Health in Puerto Rico, individuals may qualify for legal access to medical marijuana if they suffer from a debilitating chronic health condition that causes pain, nausea, or other symptoms that significantly interfere with their quality of life. Under Puerto Rican law, the following conditions are considered to qualify for legal access to medical marijuana:
• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Seizures, including those caused by epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Chronic Inflammatory Disorders
• Neuropathies
• Crohn’s Disease
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
• Pain caused by injury, illness and/or medical treatments
• Intractable Migraines
How Do I Get A Medical Marijuana Card in Puerto Rico?
In order to get a medical marijuana card in Puerto Rico, you must first consult with a licensed doctor who is certified by the Puerto Rico Department of Health to recommend medical marijuana. The doctor will assess your condition and determine if medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment for you. If approved, the doctor will provide you with a certification that can be used to obtain a medical marijuana card from the Puerto Rico Department of Health. To obtain the card, you must submit an application to the Department of Health along with the certification from your doctor. Once approved, you will receive a medical marijuana card that is valid for one year.
What Is The Process For Applying For A Medical Marijuana Card in Puerto Rico?
The process for applying for a Medical Marijuana Card in Puerto Rico is as follows:
1. Obtain a medical recommendation from a licensed doctor in Puerto Rico. The doctor must state on the medical recommendation that the patient has been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition and that medical marijuana may help the patient’s condition.
2. Once you have your doctor’s medical recommendation, you will need to complete the Medical Marijuana Program application. This can be done online through the online portal or via mail.
3. The Department of Health will review your application and medical recommendation, and if approved, issue you a Medical Marijuana Card.
4. After receiving your Medical Marijuana Card, you will be able to purchase medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary in Puerto Rico.
Where Can I Find A List Of Licensed Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Puerto Rico?
Unfortunately, there is no official list of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Puerto Rico. In 2017, Puerto Rico passed the Medical Cannabis Act, which legalized medical marijuana for qualifying patients with a doctor’s recommendation. However, the first medical cannabis dispensaries are yet to open. For more information on the status of medical marijuana in Puerto Rico, you can visit the Puerto Rico Department of Health’s website.
What Are The Possession Limits For Medical Marijuana in Puerto Rico?
The possession limits for medical marijuana in Puerto Rico are as follows:
-Adults 21 and over are allowed to possess up to eight (8) ounces of medical cannabis at any given time.
-Patients under 21 years old are allowed to possess up to four (4) ounces of medical cannabis at any given time.
-Patients and caregivers are allowed to possess up to six (6) plants at any given time.
Can I Grow My Own Medical Marijuana in Puerto Rico?
No, it is not legal to grow or possess medical marijuana in Puerto Rico. The possession, cultivation, and use of marijuana are illegal in Puerto Rico, and anyone found to be in violation of these laws can face criminal charges.
How Do Medical Marijuana Laws Affect Employment And Drug Testing in Puerto Rico?
Medical marijuana laws in Puerto Rico allow for the use of marijuana for medical purposes. However, employers in Puerto Rico may still maintain a zero-tolerance policy with regard to the use of drugs in the workplace. As a result, employers are still entitled to drug test their employees and may even require drug screening as a condition of employment. Employers may also take disciplinary action against an employee if he or she test positive for marijuana use. Furthermore, employers are not obligated to accommodate an employee’s medical marijuana use. Therefore, medical marijuana patients should be aware that their use of the drug may still have an impact on their employment prospects.
Are There Age Restrictions For Medical Marijuana Patients in Puerto Rico?
Yes, there are age restrictions for medical marijuana patients in Puerto Rico. According to the Puerto Rico Department of Health, only patients aged 18 years or older are allowed to access medical marijuana products.
What Forms Of Medical Marijuana Are Available in Puerto Rico?
Medical marijuana is currently available in Puerto Rico in a variety of forms including oils, capsules, tinctures, topical creams, and vapes. Patients may be prescribed a variety of medical marijuana strains, depending on the condition being treated.
Are There Reciprocity Agreements For Out-Of-State Medical Marijuana Patients in Puerto Rico?
At this time, there are no reciprocity agreements for out-of-state medical marijuana patients in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is in the process of developing a medical cannabis program and it is expected that reciprocity agreements for out-of-state patients may be considered in the future.
What Are The Penalties For Using Or Possessing Medical Marijuana Without A Card in Puerto Rico?
Currently, Puerto Rico does not have a medical marijuana program, so there are no regulations or penalties for using or possessing medical marijuana without a card. However, it is illegal to possess marijuana of any kind in Puerto Rico without a valid medical condition and a prescription from a licensed physician. Possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison.
Can I Get A Medical Marijuana Card If I’M Not A Resident in Puerto Rico?
No, you cannot get a medical marijuana card in Puerto Rico if you are not a resident. The Puerto Rico Department of Health requires that all applicants be residents of Puerto Rico in order to be eligible for a medical marijuana card.
What Is The Role Of Doctors In Recommending Medical Marijuana in Puerto Rico?
The role of doctors in recommending medical marijuana in Puerto Rico is to assess a patient’s eligibility to receive a medical marijuana card. This involves determining whether the patient has a debilitating medical condition and if the patient would benefit from the use of medical marijuana. Doctors also provide guidance on dosage and other information related to the use of medical marijuana.
Are There Restrictions On Where I Can Use Medical Marijuana in Puerto Rico?
Yes, there are restrictions on where medical marijuana can be used in Puerto Rico. It is illegal to consume cannabis in public places, including on public transportation, in parks, near schools, and in any part of the workplace where coworkers or customers may be exposed to the drug. Additionally, the sale and possession of medical marijuana products are only legal at authorized dispensaries that have been licensed by the Puerto Rico Department of Health.
Can I Apply For A Medical Marijuana Card Online in Puerto Rico?
No, unfortunately, you cannot apply for a medical marijuana card online in Puerto Rico. Currently, medical marijuana cards are only available by visiting a medical marijuana dispensary in Puerto Rico. You must have an appointment to apply for a medical marijuana card in Puerto Rico and provide valid documentation, including medical records and a valid photo ID.
What Are The Fees Associated With Obtaining A Medical Marijuana Card in Puerto Rico?
The fees associated with obtaining a medical marijuana card in Puerto Rico vary depending on the issuing provider. Currently, there are two established providers of medical marijuana cards: Banco Popular and Compassionate Cannabis Clinic. Banco Popular requires a $25 fee, while Compassionate Cannabis Clinic requires a $50 fee. Additionally, both providers require the maintenance of an active account with their respective institutions in order to benefit from their services.
Do I Have To Notify My Employer If I Have A Medical Marijuana Card in Puerto Rico?
Yes, you must notify your employer if you have a medical marijuana card in Puerto Rico. According to Puerto Rican law, employers may not discriminate against employees based on their medical condition, including medical marijuana use. Employers may not require employees to obtain a medical marijuana card before employing them or fire them upon learning they have obtained a card. Employers may, however, refuse to hire or take other adverse action against employees if they possess or use marijuana at work or if they are under the influence of marijuana while working.
Can Medical Marijuana Patients Purchase Firearms in Puerto Rico?
No, medical marijuana patients cannot purchase firearms in Puerto Rico. The purchase of firearms is prohibited for individuals who are under the influence of any controlled substance, which includes marijuana.
What Legal Protections Do Medical Marijuana Patients Have in Puerto Rico?
Patients in Puerto Rico who have a valid medical marijuana card are protected under the Puerto Rico Medical Cannabis Act. This law prohibits discrimination against any medical marijuana patient and forbids employers from taking any adverse action against an employee solely based on their status as a medical marijuana patient. Additionally, landlords are prohibited from denying housing to medical marijuana patients. The law also protects medical marijuana patients from being charged with possession, distribution, or cultivation of marijuana when they are in compliance with the Puerto Rico Medical Cannabis Act.
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