Puerto Rico has been making headlines in recent years for its progressive stance on cannabis. The island first legalized medical marijuana in 2015, and in 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi signed a bill legalizing recreational cannabis for adults. But what does this mean for residents and visitors? Is weed legal in Puerto Rico? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the current state of cannabis laws on the island.
medical marijuana in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico first legalized medical marijuana in 2015 through an executive order. The order established a comprehensive medical cannabis program that currently has over 100,000 registered patients. Patients with qualifying conditions can purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries on the island.
recreational Marijuana in Puerto Rico
In June 2021, Governor Pierluisi signed Act 42-2021 into law, legalizing recreational cannabis for adults. The new law allows those 21 and older to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana, a half ounce of concentrate, and 1 ounce of products such as edibles. The law also allows for home cultivation of up to six plants per household, but only three can be mature at any given time.
Despite the legal of recreational cannabis, smoking in public is still prohibited. In addition, businesses can choose to prohibit cannabis consumption on their premises, and landlords can prohibit tenants from smoking on their property. It's also worth noting that cannabis remains illegal under federal law, which could lead to potential legal complications.
Hemp-Derived CBD in Puerto Rico
Hemp-derived CBD products with THC content of 0.3% or less are legal in Puerto Rico, as they are in many other states and territories. However, it's important to note that these products are not regulated by the FDA, so consumers should exercise caution when purchasing and using them.
Advertising Cannabis in Puerto Rico
Advertising cannabis products can be tricky, as laws vary from state to state and territory to territory. AdCann, a cannabis marketing and advertising website, recently announced a ban on all Hemp and CBD advertising in California, Colorado, and Puerto Rico. However, some platforms do allow for cannabis-related advertising. For example, Reddit allows ads for "topical and oral products containing Hemp-derived CBD with THC content of 0.3% or less" in California, Colorado, and Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, the platform Meta allows ads for some Hemp products, but not THC or CBD products.
Penalties for Cannabis possess in Puerto Rico
While cannabis is legal for medical and recreational use in Puerto Rico, there are still penalties for possess outside of the legal limits. Convictions for possess of any amount of cannabis are considered felonies that carry penalties of two to four years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. It's important to know the legal limits and to consume cannabis responsibly.
Conclusion
So, is weed legal in Puerto Rico? Yes, both medical and recreational cannabis are legal on the island. However, as with any state or territory, there are regulations and limitations that must be followed. It's important to stay up to date with the latest laws and to consume cannabis responsibly. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, Puerto Rico offers a unique and exciting cannabis culture that's worth exploring.
