Question 1

How can I get medical cannabis in Puerto Rico?

Accepted Answer

First you have to go to a physician that is authorized to recommend the usage of medical cannabis. After a medical evaluation, if the physician determines that you suffer from a debilitating condition, as defined by Regulation #9038 and that you would benefit from using medical cannabis, he or she will give you a written recommendation for medical cannabis.
After obtaining the physician’s recommendation, you have to apply for a Medical Cannabis ID card, and if applicable, a Authorized Companion ID card, at the Office of Controlled Substances and Medical Cannabis. The application form is available in the Department of Health’s website.
https://licenciacannabis.salud.gov.pr/(https://licenciacannabis.salud.gov.pr/)
Alongside the application form, the patient, and if applicable the authorized companion, must go in person and present the following documents at the Office of Controlled Substances and Medical Cannabis
Patients
1. Completed application
2. Certificate from an authorized physician recommending medical cannabis
3. A photocopy of a form of ID issued by Puerto Rico or the United States
4. Certified check, cashier’s check or a money order in the name of the Secretary of Treasury for $25
All of these documents must be submitted by the person requesting the Patient ID card at the Office of Controlled Substances and Medical Cannabis in the 3rd floor of building 1506 Ave. Ponce de Leon in Santurce.

Question 2

If I get certified as a patient, can I buy medical cannabis for someone else in my family or a friend that may need some?"

Accepted Answer

No. Your medical cannabis certification is only for you. You may not use it to buy medical cannabis or medical cannabis related products for anyone else. Anyone wishing to purchase these in Puerto Rico must go through the certification process.

Question 3

If I already have my ID card, where can I consume Medical Cannabis?"

Accepted Answer

According to Regulation #9038, Medical cannabis patients may only consume cannabis in their homes or in private establishments where they have been authorized to do so by the owner.

Question 4

What’s the difference between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids?"

Accepted Answer

Sativa strains are usually high in THC and low in CBD and are associated mostly with daytime use thanks to their uplifting, cerebral effects. They are also associated with creativity and bettered moods. Indica strains usually contain higher amounts of CBD and are better at relieving body pains and have sedative, relaxing effects. Hybrids are crossbreeds between Sativa and Indica and tend to show characteristics from both.

Question 5

What are THC and CBD?

Accepted Answer

THC and CBD are two different types of cannabinoids, the active chemical compounds found in cannabis. THC is the main cannabinoid found in cannabis and is responsible for most of the psychoactive effects. CBD is non-psychoactive and is mostly responsible for pain relief. CBN is also another cannabinoid that can be found in cannabis and mostly causes drowsiness.

Question 6

What are terpenes?

Accepted Answer

Terpenes are chemical compounds found in many plants in nature. In cannabis, terpenes are what end up defining the color, taste, and many of the effects of different strains. One example of a terpene is pinene. This terpene can also be found in pine resin and gives strains high in it a pine like smell and promotes alertness. There are many different types of terpenes and understanding them is key to understanding the differences between different strains.

Question 7

What is vaporizing? Isn’t that the same as smoking?

Accepted Answer

They are not the same. Smoke is the result of combustion. When a material combusts, new chemicals are formed through the process of oxidation. Vaporizing is when a substance is turned into a gas at a lower temperature than what would cause it to combust. When cannabis is vaporized, you are consuming the exact same chemicals that were already present in the cannabis. The same cannot be said for smoking. This is why vaporizing is considered a healthier alternative to smoking. The Department of Health prohibits smoking medical cannabis.

Natural Health Solutions

The complete guide to medical marijuana for seniors

The Leafly Starter Pack: A Comprehensive Guide to Medical Cannabis

Cannabinoids 101: What Makes Cannabis Medicine?

Part 1, Sativa vs. Indica: An Overview of Cannabis Types

CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?

About Medical Cannabis