Puerto Rico Moves To Legalize Medical Marijuana

By Lela C. on May 4, 2015News Favorite Article

Late Sunday evening, Puerto Rico's governor signed an executive order to authorize the use of medical marijuana in the U.S. territory. In what some see as an unexpected move, Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla said, "We're taking a significant step in the area of health that is fundamental to our development and quality of life."
Garcia said the government will soon release an outline which will specify the exact details including the authorized amount along with the qualified illnesses in which medical marijuana can be used to treat. It is expected for this process to take upwards of three months before the government will release further information.
Jaime Perello, president of Puerto Rico's House of Representatives, said he supported Garcia's order. "It's a step in the right direction," he said. "One of the benefits that patients say they receive the most is pain relief."
Prior to the executive order, any possession of marijuana on the island is considered illegal and those convicted of possession can face five years in prison along with thousands of dollars in fines. Many have viewed Puerto Rico's staunch position on marijuana as ineffective and a failure to the citizens of the territory.