Puerto Rico is a sought-after vacation destination known for its clean white beaches and the historic, colorful Spanish-style architecture of Old San Juan. It’s a U.S. territory, meaning it’s a region governed by the U.S. federal government but without sovereignty.
Because of this, it can be confusing to understand the rules about cannabis. While Puerto Rico does recognize medical marijuana cards from other states, there are a few stipulations and rules surrounding this reciprocity.
In this article, you’ll learn more about Puerto Rican law regarding cannabis, the rules of reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders, and how to obtain a temporary travel med card in Puerto Rico.
Is Marijuana Legal in Puerto Rico?
Recreational marijuana is not legal in Puerto Rico. However, medical marijuana became legal in 2017 and is permitted under certain circumstances. Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC, along with hemp-derived CBD, are legal in this territory.
There are strict regulations regarding cannabis consumption in Puerto Rico. Even if you have a medical card, smoking cannabis is prohibited. There are also tight regulations surrounding vaporizing cannabis flower, and public consumption and cultivation of cannabis are not legal.
Specific conditions do allow smoking or vaping medical cannabis, however. If it’s deemed the ideal cannabis administration method by a healthcare provider, documentation will be provided stating this special condition. Cases of terminal illness are also considered a special condition.
Purchasing Medical Cannabis Legally When Visiting Puerto Rico
Fortunately, Americans visiting Puerto Rico can access medical cannabis fairly easily via temporary travel med cards and the reciprocity of a home-state medical card.
Medical marijuana card reciprocity means that a state or U.S. territory accepts valid out-of-state medical marijuana cards. You are eligible for a temporary medical card in Puerto Rico if you have a cannabis medical card from your home state.
In Puerto Rico, medical cannabis patients with valid recommendations and ID cards from U.S. states can benefit from reciprocity for up to 30 days, provided those states maintain accessible patient verification databases.
If the medical card has a photo, it can be used to purchase flower in certain circumstances. However, if the visiting medical marijuana patient doesn’t have a medical card with a photo, they would need to obtain a 30-day temporary certification by applying with the Puerto Rico Medicinal Cannabis Program.
Obtaining a Temporary Travel Med Card
Applying for a travel med card can be done easily by completing a few forms and paying a small fee. Many Puerto Rican dispensaries even offer temporary travel medical card applications onsite.
A popular choice among American travelers for completing this application in advance is through IslandMed. Medical card holders from any U.S. state can then choose from the hundreds of dispensaries across the island.
Even if you don’t already have a home-state medical marijuana card, you can still legally purchase marijuana by applying for a medical card online via an appointment before you travel.
If you don’t live in a state that’s legalized medical cannabis, you can apply for Puerto Rican medical cards by consulting with an authorized healthcare provider who can grant temporary access to medical cannabis there for 30 days.
Dispensaries are prohibited from selling cannabis flower to medical patients without authorization that explicitly states vaporization of medical cannabis is recommended. Because of the strict smoking regulations, it’s advised that non-resident medical marijuana patients obtain a note from their healthcare provider in advance to present with their state medical card to help ensure access while they’re in Puerto Rico.
Where Is It Safe to Purchase Weed in Puerto Rico?
Since it became legal in 2017, the cannabis industry in Puerto Rico has expanded dramatically. Today, there are over 340 dispensaries across Puerto Rico.
Registered patients with a valid medical marijuana program card can purchase cannabis at any state-approved dispensary, which is the safest way to legally obtain marijuana in Puerto Rico.
Where is it Safe to Consume Cannabis?
Before traveling to Puerto Rico, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with all the regulations and laws regarding the purchase and use of medical cannabis.
The use of cannabis without a medical card is considered a felony offense, so be sure to always keep your medical card with you when consuming or after consuming cannabis in Puerto Rico.
Consumption of medical cannabis by cardholders can be safely done in a private home. A private place where the property owners authorize the consumption of medical cannabis is also allowed.
Since smoking or vaporizing weed is illegal, barring doctor-approved exceptions, those who do not qualify to smoke or vape cannabis can still enjoy many other forms of cannabis consumption that are allowed. Some of the forms of medical cannabis consumption that are legal in Puerto Rico include:
- Edibles
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Concentrates
- Topical creams or ointments
- Transdermal patches
- Oral inhalers
- Suppositories
- Oral drops
- Oils
How to get a Medical Marijuana Card in Puerto Rico
Getting your Puerto Rico, home-state, or travel med card is the only way to possess and consume cannabis in this U.S. territory.
If you live in one of the 47 states that allow medical marijuana consumption, you can obtain one in your home state and also have access to cannabis temporarily when visiting Puerto Rico.
Here are the steps to obtaining a home-state medical marijuana card:
- Book Your Appointment: After providing some basic medical history, you’ll book an appointment with a licensed marijuana doctor. The appointment fee with Veriheal covers your consultation, physician copay, and the medical evaluation for your recommendation.
- Talk to An MMJ doctor: Next, you’ll do a brief consult with a marijuana physician who will evaluate your ailments and answer any questions you have about medical marijuana treatment. Depending on where you live, this can be either online, through video, or in person.
- Receive An MMJ Card: If you are approved for medical marijuana, you’ll receive your recommendation. Depending on your state, you will either be granted immediate access to dispensaries or wait to receive your card in the mail.
You can learn more about obtaining a medical marijuana card in your home state here.
If you’re applying for a Puerto Rico medical card that isn’t temporary, there are many qualifying conditions under Puerto Rican law. You will need a government-issued photo ID, such as a Puerto Rico driver’s license or passport. While IDs from other states are allowed, patients still must have a physical address in Puerto Rico to apply for a Puerto Rico medical card.
A medical marijuana card is valid in Puerto Rico for one year and can be renewed annually.
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, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, and Washington, D.C.
You can find the list of these qualifying conditions and more information on applying for a Puerto Rico medical card here.
Certified medical marijuana patients can then possess a 30/day supply of medical cannabis. This is equivalent to 1 ounce (28 grams) of flower, 800 milligrams of edible cannabis, or 8 grams of concentrate. Cultivation at a personal residence is not legal under Puerto Rico’s medical cannabis program, however.
Fortunately, medical cannabis patients do not have to pay sales tax at the register in Puerto Rico.
Under an act passed in 2021, those working in Puerto Rico who are also cannabis patients can’t be discriminated against in the workplace. This means registered medical cannabis patients can’t be discriminated against when being recruited, hired, terminated, or for other employment conditions.
Key Takeaways
Puerto Rico offers a unique opportunity for medical cannabis patients to enjoy the island’s beauty while still having access to local marijuana products from its state-approved dispensaries.
Although recreational marijuana remains illegal, visitors with valid medical marijuana cards from the U.S. can take advantage of Puerto Rico’s medical cannabis program through reciprocity or by obtaining a temporary travel card.
However, strict guidelines around consumption, especially regarding smoking and public use, should be reviewed before traveling.
With over 340 dispensaries available and various other consumption methods allowed, patients have ample access to safe and legal cannabis options. Travelers can easily enjoy their medical cannabis while exploring Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bring edibles to Puerto Rico?
No, it is not legal to bring cannabis products, including edibles, into Puerto Rico. Travelers are advised to purchase medical cannabis products locally at licensed dispensaries using a valid medical marijuana card.
Does Puerto Rico accept out-of-state medical cards?
Yes, Puerto Rico recognizes valid out-of-state medical marijuana cards for up to 30 days. Visitors can use their medical card to purchase cannabis products if their home state maintains an accessible patient verification database. Purchasing flower, however, has some limitations requiring further documentation.
Can I use my Florida medical card in Puerto Rico?
Yes, Florida medical marijuana cards are accepted in Puerto Rico under the reciprocity agreement. Visitors may use their Florida card to purchase medical cannabis products from licensed dispensaries. Purchasing flower, however, has some other limitations requiring further documentation.
Does Puerto Rico have dispensaries for recreational use?
No, recreational marijuana is not legal in Puerto Rico. Cannabis can only be purchased and consumed by people with a valid medical marijuana card.
Can anyone buy from a dispensary in Puerto Rico?
No, only those with a valid medical marijuana card (either from Puerto Rico or an accepted out-of-state program) can purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
Can you smoke outside in Puerto Rico?
No, public smoking or vaporizing of cannabis is prohibited in Puerto Rico. Medical cannabis consumption is only allowed in private residences or other private locations where the owner permits it, and smoking is restricted to specific cases deemed necessary by a healthcare provider.
