Puerto Rico Has a Medical Cannabis Program
Executive Order 2015-010 signed by Governor Padilla in 2015. Regulatory framework established by Act 42 (2017). One of the largest medical programs in any US territory.
Puerto Rico Cannabis Quick Facts
| Status | Medical Only |
| Recreational | Not Legal |
| Medical | Legal |
| Decriminalized | Yes |
| Possession Limit | Medical patients: determined by physician. Small amounts (under 5g) decriminalized since 2020. |
| Medical Conditions | Cancer, Crohn's, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS, MS, Parkinson's, PTSD, chronic pain, and others (over 20 conditions) |
| Regulatory Agency | Puerto Rico Department of Health — Medicinal Cannabis Office |
Penalties & Enforcement
Non-medical possession under 5g: administrative fine. Over 5g: criminal charges possible.
Only registered medical patients with valid cards can legally possess cannabis. Non-patient possession remains a criminal offense. If you have a medical card from another state, check whether Puerto Rico accepts out-of-state cards before traveling.
What You Need to Know
Large and well-established medical program with 130,000+ registered patients and 100+ dispensaries. Smokable flower legalized in 2022. Tourism consideration: out-of-state medical cards may not be accepted — verify before traveling.
Learn More
- How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card — state-by-state application guide
- Understanding State Cannabis Laws — how state and federal laws interact
- What to Expect at a Dispensary — first visit guide
- Dosing Fundamentals — start low, go slow
- Drug Interactions — check before combining cannabis with medications
- Driving & Impairment — DUI laws apply in every state
For support with quitting or cutting back on cannabis, visit our companion site CannabisDependence.org