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Cannabis Medicinal Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s Number 1 Resource for Medicinal Cannabis

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medicinal act

Marijuana Revenue in Colorado Shows How Puerto Rico Could Also Thrive

September 25, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

marijuana revenueRecent reports show that Colorado has passed the $1 billion mark in total state revenue generated from the legal marijuana industry. Since the drug became legal in 2014, the state has made a total of $6 billion in sales. This past April and May showed record sales in the five-year history of the industry, as the state took in around $24.2 million. Their sales doubled from $500 million to $1 billion in just under two years, and reaching $500 million took around three and a half years. In the past year, their entire monthly tax and fee marijuana revenue has not dropped below $20 million.

Clearly, the legal marijuana industry is thriving in the state of Colorado. Governor Jared Polis even joked he tells other governors not to to legalize it, as being in the minority here obviously gives them an advantage. But more and more states are starting to see the potential benefits and are moving towards following in Colorado’s footsteps.

Recently, Illinois became the 11th state to approve recreational cannabis for adult use. Before that, Washington, Alaska ,Colorado, California, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon Vermont, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington D.C. have all had legal marijuana sales.

Colorado currently has 2,917 licensed marijuana businesses and 41,076 people who are licensed to work in the industry. State officials believe many factors have been integral to the success of the business. These include creating retail edible serving sizes to create reasonable adult use, attention to production management that controls marijuana supply and demand, and keeping up with data and analysis from seed-to-sale marijuana inventory.

Colorado is a great example to other states who are considering or have recently made the decision to legalize marijuana, including Puerto Rico. In recent years, Puerto Rico has had financial troubles that could culminate in the largest municipal bankruptcy in United States history. Currently, Puerto Rico is $70 billion in debt, and they are struggling to pay it. The medicinal marijuana industry offers one potential solution to this growing economic problem.

Puerto Rico currently has 77,000 registered patients and it is only expected to grow to 100,000 by the end of the year. The government has granted approximately 80 licenses for dispensaries throughout the island while roughly 40 of them are already opened for business. The projections that have been studied and calculated after the legalization of medicinal cannabis in Puerto Rico following the Act 42-2017 or more commonly known as the “Medicinal Act” reflect that by 2020, all cannabis related activities will have reached $100 million in tax revenue. It is also determined that by the steady growth of the industry, by 2020, all related cannabis programs will have created and employed over 20,000 people.

Filed Under: Cannabis News Tagged With: marijuana puerto rico, Medical Cannabis, Medical Marijuana, medicinal act

How To Buy Medicinal Cannabis in Puerto Rico

June 19, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

Great news — it’s now possible to buy medicinal cannabis in Puerto Rico.

In 2015, Executive Order OE-2015-035 was signed by Governor Alejandro Padilla ordering the Secretary of Health to authorize some or all of the marijuana plant for medical use. This set in motion a chain reaction for Administrative Order Number 352, issued by secretary of Health Dr. Ana Ruiz, to begin directives for the possession, cultivation, manufacturing, production, fabrication, dispensing, distributing, and research of medical cannabis. Then, in July of 2017, Act 42-2017, The Medicinal Act was signed by the governor.

So how can you begin the process to buy medicinal cannabis?

Although adult-use cannabis remains illegal, Puerto Ricans who are looking to access medical marijuana can go though an application process. The process requires a fee that ranges from $100-$150 and anyone who is interested need only go through the following steps to be approved:

  1. Obtain a medical recommendation from an authorized doctor, which will be sent through the registration platform.
  2. Open an account.
  3. Create a request and locate your doctor’s medical recommendation.
  4. Complete the privacy policy, submit a 2 inch-by-2 inch passport size photo, and attach remaining documents digitally.

buy medicinal cannabisOnce these steps have been completed, patients are then entered into a database with the department of Health and are allowed to buy medicinal cannabis from their nearest storefront dispensary. Regulation 8766 dictates consumption location, which is limited to private homes or private places in which owners authorize the consumption of medical cannabis. Smokeable marijuana is illegal, however the following forms of consumption are allowed:

  • Edibles
  • Capsules
  • Suppositories
  • Oral inhalers
  • Oral drops
  • Vaporization of cannabis flower or concentrate
  • Topical ointments and creams
  • Transdermal patches
  • Any other means that the Department of Health authorizes

The entire process can be started online and a Spanish-language form can be found on the government’s website. There are many ways and conditions that an individual can qualify to use medical cannabis. A full list can be found on the DS main registration page, however a few examples are listed below:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Anorexia
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Arthritis
  • Autism
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Cancer and chemotherapy treatment for cancer
  • Depression
  • Degenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, or multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Epilepsy
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Glaucoma
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Incurable and advanced diseases requiring palliative care
  • Insomnia
  • Intestinal inflammatory disease
  • Migraines
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Peripheral neuropathies
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Another condition that causes cachexia, or wasting disease, chronic pain, severe nausea, or persistent muscle spasms

buy medicinal cannabisThe Health Department maintains a directory of medical providers who are authorized to recommend cannabis for medicinal purposes. Establishments such as dispensaries, distributors, and manufacturers that are looking for licensing can do so on the Cannabis Medicinal site via the Department of Health. Licensing is necessary to participate in any type of dispensary business as either an employee or owner. Criminal history disclosures and background checks must be made when pursuing certain types of licenses. The Medical Act, Act 42-2017, permits dispensaries to dispense to patients with medical cards from other states.

Filed Under: Puerto Rico Dispensaries Tagged With: Medical Marijuana, medicinal act, Medicinal Cannabis, puerto rico marijuana

The Medicinal Act: What Puerto Rican Residents Should Know

June 18, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

As of 2015, medicinal cannabis has been legalized in Puerto Rico under the Medicinal Act. The following are some of the most important things related to the industry as published in “Medicinal Cannabis in Puerto Rico and Taxation” by BDO Puerto Rico on August 11, 2017.

The cannabis industry and its investors have been mobilizing the market since 2015. Nonetheless, it was not until 2017 with “Act to Manage the Study, Development and Research of Cannabis for Innovation, Applicable Norms and Limitations,” more commonly known and referred to as “Medicinal Act” or Act 42-2017, when the industry experienced its largest growth. The act was designed to serve as legal guidance for everything related to medicinal cannabis, including but not limited to, patients, taxations, and oversight of the industry (dispensaries, growing facilities, manufacturers and others).

Here are the most important things you need to know about the “law:

  • medicinal actThe Medicinal Act establishes a Regulatory Board consisting of (9) members. Six of those members head the departments of health, agriculture, treasury, economic development/commerce, consumer affairs and the Superintendent of Puerto Rico Police. The remaining (3) are nominated by the Governor. The Regulatory Board will be responsible for withholding and implementing the law concerning everything related to the cannabis industry.

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  • Act 42-2017 states as illegal the act of smoking. Flowers are intended only for the use of vaporization.

 

medicinal act

 

  • The Medicinal Act prohibits the importation or exportation of cannabis or cannabis derived products. Such products must be produced inland.

 

medicinal act

 

The law prohibits the consumption of cannabis in public areas. All consumption must take place in private residences.

 

 

 

medicinal act

  • Dispensaries are not allowed to sell medicinal cannabis to anyone that does not have an official medical authorization card issued by a doctor stating the nature of the condition for which the patient requires medicinal cannabis.

 

 

medicinal act

  • The flower or bud is only offered to patients who have had little success with other treatments. The use of flower must also be directly recommended by the doctor for dispensaries to dispatch them to their patients.

 

 

The Medicinal Act also includes a clause referring to tourism and tourist patients. The clause authorizes dispensaries to sell to tourists with their medicinal cannabis authorization card from their home states as long as it is not flower.

Although medicines in Puerto Rico are tax free, anything derived from medical cannabis will be taxed at 11.5% and accounted as personal property.

Filed Under: Cannabis News Tagged With: Medical Marijuana, medicinal act, Medicinal Cannabis, puerto rico marijuana

Puerto Rican Government Complicates Medical Marijuana Process

May 26, 2019 By karlicobuzzi Leave a Comment

puerto rican governmentIn recent years, Puerto Rico has been in the news for financial troubles that could culminate in the largest municipal bankruptcy in United States history. Currently, the territory is $70 billion in debt and has no way to repay it. One solution to this growing economic problem is medicinal marijuana, even with the government putting up roadblocks at every turn. The Puerto Rican government has made the process of entering the medical marijuana field very difficult and has created trouble operating within the current system. Some of the present issues may be due to a learning curve on the part of the elected officials, but there is also some resistance and lack of resources to blame. In the end, the patients are the ones who end up suffering the most.

There are over 4,000 registered patients in Puerto Rico, with 7,000 more awaiting their patient ID cards. The Department of Cannabis, a branch of the Department of Health in Puerto Rico, is severely understaffed and lacks resources with reports of only one machine available to print new ID cards.  This creates a bottleneck that greatly slows down the process.

puerto rican governmentUnfortunately, this is not the only problem in the process of receiving a medical marijuana ID card. Once a patient secures a recommendation from a doctor, they must then take that notification to a notary to get it certified. The twist is that the only people who are legally allowed to be notaries in Puerto Rico are lawyers. After first seeing the doctor, and then a lawyer, a patient must then take their certified recommendation to the Department of Cannabis, where it is reviewed. This entire string of events is extremely time consuming. not to mention expensive, as the application fee can range from $100-$150.

There is a large investment not only financially, but also in effort, especially for patients who do not live in San Juan and must travel upwards of up to two and a half hours. Now this may not seem like a lot to some, but when factoring in the fact that most of the people who are applying for the medical card are sick or impaired in some way, it makes travel very difficult.

Even when loved ones of the patient attempt to help, it is still time that they have to take off from work or some other venture in their normal lives. In addition to residents attempting to get their ID cards ,visitors to island, who have a valid medical marijuana card in another state, must go through a very similar system that locals do. This process could take up an entire day of a visitor’s vacation or business trip and comes with the same application fee as the local one.

These inefficient processes, along with the lack of resources, are turning a viable financial opportunity for Puerto Rico into a misstep for the time being. However, with a better infrastructure in place, and some slight changes to the regulations, the Puerto Rican government can turn the situation around quickly and efficiently.

 

Filed Under: Cannabis News Tagged With: Medical Cannabis, Medical Marijuana, medicinal act, puerto rico marijuana

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Puerto Rico

May 23, 2019 By canmed Leave a Comment

medical marijuana cardIf you want to access medical cannabis in Puerto Rico, you have to get a medical marijuana card. Puerto Rico’s Regulation 8766 outlines the guidelines and steps that they must take to qualify. The criteria to be able to qualify for medical marijuana in Puerto Rico is very similar to the requirements in other countries and states in the United States. There are certain medical conditions that allow patients to pursue medical marijuana medications. One stipulation in order to qualify is that the patient must be at least 18 years or older. However, parents are permitted to obtain cannabis medication for their child as long as both parents approve of this form of treatment. In addition to residents of Puerto Rico, tourists are also permitted to use their own state’s medical marijuana card in reciprocity while in Puerto Rico. The qualifying conditions in order to pursue medical marijuana include the following:

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Cancer
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Epilepsy
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Hepatitis C
  • Arthritis
  • Anorexia

It is also possible to have other conditions that have not responded to traditional treatments to be approved, but you must talk with your doctor to see if you qualify.

The medicinal Cannabis Regulatory Board (MCRB) is the branch of Puerto Rico’s Department of Health that oversees the medical marijuana program. It may take some time to complete the process of becoming a patient, which is why it is important to start the process as soon as possible. You can start the process by following the steps listed below:

  1. Meet with a physician registered with the MCRB to receive a cannabis recommendation.
  2. Fill out the applications and associated forms found on the MCRB website.
  3. Visit the Medicinal Cannabis Regulatory Board in person to submit the application and physician recommendation, show approved identification, and pay the application fee.
  4. If approved, come to the MCRB to obtain medical marijuana card.
  5. Choose one of the medicinal establishments to be the dispensary from which medications are obtained.

Patients may fill out additional paperwork in order to assign a caregiver to obtain their medical marijuana medications in their place. Tourists with a medical marijuana card from their state need to go to the Medicinal Cannabis Regulatory Board in person to pay the application fee so that they are allowed to use a Puerto Rican medicinal cannabis establishment.

In Puerto Rico, there area strict guidelines that must be followed in order for patients to access their medical marijuana products. Puerto Rican law prohibits personal cultivation, and the current regulation that is in place only allows patients to choose one medicinal cannabis establishment from which to obtain their medications. Many patients find this stipulation of the regulation to be inconvenient due to possible travel plans or other factors. There is speculation that the government may change this aspect of the regulation in the future. For the moment, though, patients can obtain a 30- day supply of medication when they visit their selected facility.

medical marijuana cardDue to the fact that marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 drug, patients who are accessing cannabis must have their medical marijuana card on them at all times. There are very strict penalties for drug possession, which include a hefty fine and up to ten years in prison. Patients with a current medical marijuana card are free from prosecution and penalties that may come with someone without a card, as long as they follow the guidelines set forth by Regulation No. 8766. Even with the medical marijuana card, patients are advised to practice discretion. Marijuana medication should only be used while in a private home, not in public, and patients should never carry more than the specified amount.

Filed Under: Cannabis Medicinal Tagged With: marijuana puerto rico, Medical Marijuana, medicinal act, Medicinal Cannabis

Medical Cannabis in Puerto Rico: Most Frequently Asked Questions

May 22, 2019 By canmed Leave a Comment

medical cannabis in puerto rico

If you’re looking to access medical cannabis in Puerto Rico, you may have a lot of questions about the process. In order to purchase cannabis, you must first get a medical marijuana card. Before you spend time contacting someone who can help you do so, take a look at this list of some of the most frequently asked questions.

 

 

 

Do I have to see a doctor in person?

There are Telehealth and telemedicine options available, so an in-person meeting is not necessarily required. Talk with your doctor’s office for more information. You must go in person to the Medicinal Cannabis Regulatory board, however.

Is there an age requirement to get a medical marijuana card?

Yes, you must be 18 years or older to get the card. Caregivers of children under 18 may access medical cannabis in Puerto Rico for their children as long as both parents or guardians are in agreement, and these caregivers must also be 18 years or older.

How long will it take to receive my medical marijuana card?

It generally takes up to 30 days to receive the card, but sometimes it can take longer.

How much does it cost to get a medical marijuana card?

The application process costs between $100-$150 dollars.

Is there a possession limit?

Yes. Medical marijuana patients may receive a 30-day supply, as determined by their physician. The amount for a 30-day supply will vary from patient to patient. Only non-smokeable cannabis is allowed.

Which conditions qualify me to receive a medical marijuana card?

There are certain conditions that allow patients to access medical cannabis in Puerto Rico:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Anorexia
  • Anxiety
  • Cancer or other conditions that cause severe nausea
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV/AIDS or other conditions that cause cachexia
  • Migraines
  • Multiple Sclerosis or other conditions that cause severe spasms
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Spinal cord injury or other conditions that cause severe pain

What are the rules and regulations once I’ve received my card?

  • Smoking cannabis is not allowed. Patients may vaporize, however. They may also use marijuana in the form of pills, tinctures, topicals, suppositories, patches, and edibles.
  • Cannabis must only be consumed in private residences.
  • You must carry your medical marijuana card with you at all times. If someone is caught using or carrying cannabis without a current medical marijuana card, they can be prosecuted for possession. It doesn’t matter if it’s hash, concentrates, or the actual buds, it’s still considered a felony. First-time possession offenders can get up to two to five years in prison. For repeat offenders, this goes up to four to 10 years in prison. Both are also subject to a $5,000 fine, and possession of paraphernalia carries the same penalty.
  • Private cultivation of marijuana is still illegal, even if you have a medical marijuana card.

 

medical cannabis in puerto rico

Filed Under: Cannabis Medicinal Tagged With: Medical Cannabis, Medical Marijuana, medicinal act, puerto rico marijuana

Can a Tourist Buy Medicinal Cannabis in Puerto Rico?

May 20, 2019 By canmed Leave a Comment

If you’re visiting Puerto Rico, you may be wondering whether you’ll be able to purchase and use medicinal marijuana while you’re there. You also might be wondering where you can access it. This miniature guide to medicinal marijuana for tourists will tell you all you need to know so you can start to plan your trip.

First thing’s first, what are the laws?

It’s true that marijuana is now legal in Puerto Rico — but only for medicinal purposes. So those wishing to purchase medical marijuana must have a valid medical marijuana card. Right now, smoking marijuana — even for medical reasons — is still illegal. You may use cannabis in the form of extracts, patches, pills, topicals, or vapor. Note that the use of medical marijuana is only approved in private residences.

So, what about tourists? 

Visitors to Puerto Rico are welcome to buy cannabis at the marijuana dispensaries.  However, they must have a valid medical marijuana card from their own state. They also need to visit the Medicinal Cannabis Regulatory Board in person to pay an application fee that gives them permission to use a Puerto Rican medicinal cannabis establishment. You must also carry your medical marijuana card with you at all times to avoid legal punishments, which can include fines and jail time.

Where can you purchase medical marijuana in Puerto Rico?

There are many dispensaries that sell medical marijuana in Puerto Rico. Here is a list of some of the island’s top medicinal cannabis locations.

Bwell Healing Center

San Juan, PR Bwell Healing Center strives to create optimism and wellness in their clients. They are committed to patients who are open to seek alternative help for treating their symptoms.

Earth Gift Cannabis Dispensary

Carolina, PR Earth Gift is a dispensary of purely Puerto Rican Medicinal Cannabis with a 100% Puerto Rican investment.  Their experts can explain and help you in the education of your treatment.

FLUENT Cannabis Dispensary

San Juan, PR FLUENT aims to make the most consistent, highest quality cannabis in the industry because they care about their customers and want them to have the very best outcomes.

Clínica Verde

San Juan, PR Clínica Verde is a network of local, medical cannabis dispensaries approved by the Department of Health of Puerto Rico. They provide medical cannabis patients with high quality medical cannabis treatments, laboratory approved, and locally grown products to treat a variety of debilitating conditions. Their dispensaries allow registered patients to purchase their medication in a safe, professional, and friendly environment. Their team is highly trained to provide patients with accurate recommendations observing the highest standards of customer service. They have several locations throughout the island of Puerto Rico, as well as association with other dispensaries.

FarmaVerde

Bayamon, PR and Dorado, PR

FarmaVerde hopes to improve quality of life for their patients. Using their excellent line of products, you can benefit from medicinal cannabis.

Caribbean Green

Carolina, PR Caribbean Green is Puerto Rico’s first medical cannabis cultivation facility. With over 20 years of growing experience from California, and a 100% Puerto Rican-resident-owned company, they are working to help patients in need.

Releaf Solutions

San Juan, PR Releaf Solutions welcomes all patients who wish to obtain the benefits that medical cannabis can offer. They committed to your health and well-being. Furthermore, they will work directly with your doctor to develop a plan where your therapies can be balanced and perfected.

Nirvana Health Clinic

San Juan, PR Nirvana is a locally-owned and locally-operated fully-licensed dispensary. Their team is a group of cannabis experts and enthusiasts committed to the well-being of patients.

Cannassence

San Juan, PR Cannassence is committed to providing the medical benefits of cannabis to the human body for proper well-being.

Senses Med Center

San Juan, PR

Senses Med Center aims to help patients have a healthier life by educating them on the best products that will work for their condition. 

Filed Under: Cannabis Medicinal Tagged With: Medical Marijuana, medicinal act, Medicinal Cannabis, puerto rico marijuana

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