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Cannabis in Puerto Rico: Laws, Dispensaries & Tourist Guide flag Cannabis in Puerto Rico: Laws, Dispensaries & Tourist Guide

Is weed legal in Puerto Rico? Medical cannabis program details, 130+ dispensaries, temporary tourist cards, and what visitors need to know.

Last verified: April 13, 2026 · Act 42-2017 (Medicinal Cannabis Act)

Legal Status Medical Only
Possession Limit Medical patients: up to 1oz per dispensary visit
Medical Program Yes — 130+ dispensaries, broad qualifying conditions, administered by Department of Health
Tourist Access Tourists with a valid home-state medical card can get a 30-day temporary card
Penalties Non-medical possession remains illegal under PR and federal law

Current Cannabis Laws

Puerto Rico has one of the most robust medical cannabis programs in the entire Caribbean. Act 42-2017 codified the medical cannabis framework that began with an executive order in 2015, establishing a comprehensive system of licensed dispensaries, cultivators, and manufacturers.

Recreational cannabis remains illegal — this is still a US territory subject to federal law. But the medical program is extensive, well-regulated, and increasingly accessible to visitors.

Medical Marijuana

Puerto Rico’s medical program is administered by the Department of Health through the Medicinal Cannabis Office. The qualifying conditions list is broad and includes chronic pain, cancer, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, anxiety, arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, and many others.

The island has over 130 licensed dispensaries, with concentrations in San Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, and other population centers. Products available include flower (for vaporization), edibles, tinctures, concentrates, topicals, and capsules.

For Tourists

Puerto Rico is one of the easiest Caribbean destinations for legal cannabis access — if you have a medical card. Here’s how it works:

  1. Bring your home-state medical cannabis card — Puerto Rico recognizes cards from all US states and territories under Regulation 9038 (enacted July 2018)
  2. Apply for a temporary tourist card — available through licensed dispensaries, typically costs $20-50
  3. Your temporary card is valid for 30 days and is non-renewable
  4. Visit any licensed dispensary — you’ll be able to purchase the same products available to local patients

If you don’t have a medical card from home, some dispensaries can connect you with a local physician who can evaluate you and issue a recommendation. The process is relatively quick.

Important: Recreational possession remains illegal. Without a valid medical card or temporary tourist card, you’re subject to PR controlled substances law. Don’t assume it’s a free-for-all.

Dispensaries in Puerto Rico

With 130+ dispensaries, Puerto Rico has the densest cannabis retail network in the Caribbean. Major clusters include:

  • San Juan metro area — dozens of dispensaries, including near tourist hotels in Condado and Old San Juan
  • Ponce — southern coast hub
  • Mayaguez — western coast
  • Caguas, Bayamon, Carolina — San Juan suburbs

See our full Puerto Rico dispensary directory for the complete list.

Recent News & Changes

  • 2015: Governor Padilla signs executive order creating medical cannabis program
  • 2017: Act 42-2017 codifies the program into law
  • 2018: Regulation 9038 enables out-of-state card reciprocity and tourist access
  • Ongoing: Recurring recreational legalization bills introduced but not yet passed; adult-use discussions continue in the legislature