Medical cannabis is legal in Puerto Rico, but recreational or adult-use weed is not legal. Puerto Rico allows cannabis for approved medical and scientific purposes through a regulated program. It does not authorize general recreational possession, sales, home cultivation, or use.
Puerto Rico Cannabis Laws at a Glance
| Activity | Legal status |
|---|---|
| Recreational marijuana | Illegal |
| Medical cannabis | Legal for registered patients |
| Recreational dispensaries | Not authorized |
| Home cultivation | Not allowed for patients |
| Public consumption | Prohibited |
| Driving under the influence | Prohibited |
| Taking cannabis off the island | Prohibited |
Who Can Legally Use Cannabis in Puerto Rico?
A person can legally use medical cannabis in Puerto Rico only through the medical cannabis program. That generally requires:
- A qualifying medical condition
- A recommendation from an authorized physician
- Registration with Puerto Rico's medical cannabis program
- A valid patient identification card
Puerto Rico's Department of Health requires medical cannabis patients to register and receive authorization under Law 42-2017 and Regulation 9038.
Can Tourists Buy Medical Cannabis in Puerto Rico?
Some tourists can buy medical cannabis, but recreational tourists cannot simply walk into a dispensary and purchase weed.
Puerto Rico may recognize a current, verifiable medical cannabis card from another U.S. state, territory, or qualifying jurisdiction. Visitor authorization is limited to 30 days, after which the visitor may need to register under Puerto Rico's medical cannabis program.
Can You Smoke Weed in Public?
No. Puerto Rico prohibits medical cannabis consumption in public places and at cannabis establishments. Medical cannabis must be used under program rules and any private-property policies that apply.
Property owners may also prohibit cannabis use on their premises.
Can You Grow Your Own Marijuana?
No. Puerto Rico's medical cannabis regulations prohibit patients from cultivating cannabis themselves, even when the cannabis is for medical use. Patients must obtain cannabis through authorized sources.
Can You Bring Cannabis to or From Puerto Rico?
Do not take cannabis through an airport or transport it off the island. Puerto Rico's regulations prohibit transporting medical cannabis to the United States or another jurisdiction, even when cannabis is legal at the destination. Federal rules may also apply.
Bottom Line
Before buying or carrying cannabis in Puerto Rico, confirm that your patient card or visitor authorization is valid and recognized. Do not assume that a dispensary purchase, possession, or personal use is legal without medical authorization.