Puerto Rico Legalizes Medical Marijuana

The United States Territory of Puerto Rico will have three months to implement the new policy.

Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla made the rare move of legalizing medical marijuana by Executive Order on Sunday May 3, 2015.

«We’re taking a significant step in the area of health that is fundamental to our development and quality of life,» said Garcia in a statement issued from his office.

The territory’s Health Secretary will now have the job of putting together a program to implement the policy.

Garcia mentioned pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and AIDS as some of the conditions medical cannabis could help alleviate.

The move was a surprise to Garcia’s fellow legislators and local marijuana activists. A bill was debated last year but never came to a vote.

The new policy could also be a boon to medical marijuana patients in the United States who wish to vacation on the island. No passport is required for US citizens travelling to Puerto Rico.

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