In 1996, California became the first state to allow the medical use of cannabis. Since then, 24 other states and the District of Columbia have enacted similar laws. Hundreds of thousands of patients nationwide now regularly use medical cannabis, and now Puerto Rico is joining them.
Physicians cannot legally prescribe cannabis. Physicians can only write letters of recommendation that the patient qualifies for a certification to use the substance, and only after a thorough examination and many other requirements. Physicians cannot dispense cannabis. The patient must go to a licensed dispensary to obtain it.
The law provides that a physician can prescribe cannabis only in an emergency case which should be properly documented.
In order to be able to write the letters, physicians must register with the Puerto Rico Health Department. You can find the registration form with instructions and requirements (including mandatory training sessions for medicine doctors) below.
