For years, one of the biggest legal battles for medical cannabis patients in the United States has been the compatibility between the right to own firearms and the legal use of cannabis. While some states moved forward with regulating medical cannabis, federal laws maintained restrictions that created uncertainty for thousands of citizens. Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court set an important precedent by ruling that a person cannot be automatically deprived of their right to own

The new movements in the federal government, welcomed by many with joy, force us to reflect on other implications that may be a great challenge for the industry in Puerto Rico. The potential reclassification of cannabis to Schedule III raises several uncertain scenarios that warrant analysis. Let's imagine, hypothetically, the opening of the market for the export and import of cannabis, albeit as a Schedule III controlled substance. Or, let's imagine the complete elimination

April 20th (“420”) marks a very special day for the cannabis community worldwide. It is a day of celebration, but also of reflection. It is a time to commemorate and thank all the people who make up the industry and contribute to what it is, and also a day to remember the importance of this plant in our lives, as well as the battles that have been won and those that still need to be fought in its name. In Puerto Rico, medical cannabis patients have much to be grateful for at

Cannabis, once a taboo subject, is now rapidly gaining acceptance and recognition for its medicinal and recreational potential. In Puerto Rico, there is an untapped economic opportunity in the form of medical cannabis tourism. However, despite its potential to complement and boost the economy, a lack of collaboration among relevant agencies, coupled with tourists' lack of awareness regarding the regulations surrounding medical cannabis, is hindering the realization of this po

With the arrival of the holiday season, many feelings awaken, including the desire to share with family and friends. Puerto Ricans are famous for their generosity, especially during the Christmas season. But be aware, not everything good can be shared, as we often wish. Some things are best left unshared, such as credit, a husband or wife (depending on the agreement between the parties), but especially medicinal cannabis. For many, medicinal cannabis, besides being their medi

I still remember the first time I went in 2016 to apply for my first Authorized Medical Cannabis Patient ID. That day, tears even welled up in my eyes. It seemed unreal; after more than a decade advocating for cannabis legalization, the idea that I could legally buy and consume cannabis in Puerto Rico was a dream come true. With this authorized patient ID, a person has the right to legally purchase and possess medical cannabis in Puerto Rico, and of course, beyond the reach o

In an election year, and with potential political and administrative changes in our government, it's impossible not to think about the cannabis industry. What does the Department of Health, which regulates this industry, need, or what's best for the industry during this period? There are three main scenarios to consider. First, the selection of the Director of the Department of Health is strictly political and depends on party affiliations. Second, the new political team coul

THE CHALLENGE OF CANNABIS IN A CONSERVATIVE SOCIETY Public policies cannot be effective if their objectives do not align with the cultural mindset of the majority. In Puerto Rico, recent elections have highlighted that the population is predominantly older and holds conservative views, especially regarding cannabis liberalization. This presents a significant challenge to the success of cannabis programs, as the general mindset of the majority does not support such initiatives

The dilemma of medicinal cannabis on the island: Who wins in the game of cheap? We are in a transitional phase, as natural as it is inevitable. Every emerging industry grows, matures, stumbles, but also learns to get back up. However, to move forward, it is essential to engage in self-reflection: identifying past mistakes and setbacks is key. Questioning aspects of operational logistics is also crucial. In the last two months, the most prominent news stories have revolved aro

The moment that many have longed for has arrived. It is time to review and amend the "Regulation to manage the study, development and research of Cannabis for innovation, applicable standards and limits*, better known as Regulation 9038, incorporating the experience accumulated by our community since the approval of law 42-2017, known as the MEDICINAL Law, to the present. For a long time, much like the colloquial expression "Christ is coming!", many were skeptical when talk a

Visiting the Comprehensive Cancer Center prompts an inevitable introspection about the direction of the medical cannabis industry in Puerto Rico. Are we truly fulfilling our mission? Are we reaching those who need it most? Without intending to offend or point fingers, as I know and value many people committed to this industry, it is necessary to conduct an honest analysis of the marketing we have developed so far. In marketing, there's a universal rule: communicate with your

Rethinking the 'smell of cannabis' as a justifiable motive for police intervention in Puerto Rico. Section 10 of Article II of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico limits unjustified state intrusion when it is carried out unreasonably. The purpose of The aforementioned constitutional provision aims to protect the right to privacy and dignity of the individual against arbitrary and unreasonable actions by the State. This constitutional protection extends to moto

Donald Trump issued a directive to several federal agencies with the purpose of The directive calls for a change in cannabis classification, from Schedule I to Schedule III. This directive essentially requests the passage of legislation and regulations necessary to substantially reclassify cannabis, thereby opening it up to research and use. Cannabis has been classified as a Schedule I substance since the 1970s. This category implies that the substance has no accepted medical

On April 23, 2026, the federal government issued an Order to reclassify medical marijuana from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III. Five days later, on April 28, 2026, the document became a “Final Rule” and was published in the Federal Register, the registry where all federal government regulations are published. The document establishes a 60-day period for an expedited registration process for operators of state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, which