Puerto Rico and Medical Marijuana

Puerto Rican Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla Signed An Executive Order Legalizing Medical Marijuana In The Territory

Puerto Rico and Medical Marijuana- Puerto Rico’s Health Department has adopted Regulation 155, which permits medical marijuana cultivation, manufacturing and distribution in the U.S. territory. The new regulations come almost nine months after Puerto Rican Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla signed an executive order legalizing medical marijuana in the territory.

A medical marijuana bill was first introduced to Puerto Rican lawmakers in 2013, but after the bill became stuck in the House of Representatives, Garcia Padilla took executive action on the issue.

“We’re taking a significant step in the area of health that is fundamental to our development and quality of life,” Gov. Garcia Padilla said. “I am sure that many patients will receive appropriate treatment that will offer them new hope.”

Public Affairs Secretary Jesus Manuel Ortiz says the medical marijuana system should be set up and ready for operation by the end of the year, according to The Associated Press.

Officials say the program will only permit nonsmokable forms of medical cannabis and home cultivation will remain illegal. The ASPR president also stressed the importance of education about the benefits that medical cannabis has for patients with cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, and Parkinson’s, among other conditions. “This product has enormous health benefits for patients with chronic diseases; Puerto Rico needs to know more about them,” he added.