How the online physician evaluation works for your Puerto Rico medical cannabis permit
Updated August 2026
One of the most common questions applicants ask is whether they need to see a doctor in person. The answer is no. The physician evaluation for Puerto Rico's medical cannabis tourist permit is completed entirely online as part of the application review. An independent Puerto Rico-licensed physician reviews your application and makes all clinical decisions. MedCardPR is an application and coordination service; it does not make medical determinations and does not employ the reviewing physicians. The permit is issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Health under Act 42-2017.
Contents
What is the physician evaluation in the Puerto Rico permit process?
Puerto Rico's Act 42-2017 requires that a licensed physician evaluate whether an applicant has a qualifying medical condition before a permit is issued. For the tourist permit, this evaluation happens online: an independent Puerto Rico-licensed physician reviews your application — including your submitted ID, selfie, and stated qualifying condition — and makes a clinical determination. If approved, the permit is then issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Health.
This evaluation is not optional and is not performed by MedCardPR. It is conducted by independent physicians who are licensed in Puerto Rico and who make all clinical decisions independently.
Who are the physicians who conduct the evaluation?
The physicians are independent practitioners licensed in Puerto Rico. They are not employed by MedCardPR; MedCardPR coordinates the application and routes it to the physician's office for independent evaluation. The physician determines whether your condition qualifies under Act 42-2017 and makes all clinical decisions. MedCardPR does not influence, review, or override those determinations.
Is there an in-person appointment?
No. The physician evaluation is conducted online as part of the permit application review. You do not travel to a clinic, attend a live video call, or go to any in-person session. The entire process — application, identity verification, physician evaluation, and permit delivery — is completed through the online form and email.
This applies to US-citizen visitors who apply from anywhere in the country before or during their trip to Puerto Rico.
What does the physician evaluate?
The physician reviews whether your stated medical condition qualifies under Puerto Rico's Act 42-2017. They may also verify your identity against the documents you submitted. MedCardPR does not prepare, pre-screen, or advise on what to write in the qualifying-condition field — complete it accurately based on your actual medical situation.
The physician does not diagnose new conditions through this process. They evaluate whether the condition you report may qualify under Act 42-2017. If you are uncertain whether your condition qualifies, the evaluation is the correct way to find out — this page cannot predict whether you will be approved.
What happens if the application is not approved?
If an independent physician determines that your application does not meet the Act 42-2017 requirements, your permit will not be issued. MedCardPR does not override physician decisions. For questions about the outcome of your application, contact [email protected].
Who makes the final permit decision?
The independent licensed physician makes the clinical determination. If approved, the Puerto Rico Department of Health issues the permit. MedCardPR's role is application and coordination — collecting your information, routing it to the physician, and delivering the permit once the Department of Health has issued it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to schedule a video call with a doctor?
No. The evaluation is asynchronous — the physician reviews your submitted application materials. There is no video call, live session, or in-person appointment.
Does MedCardPR employ the reviewing physicians?
No. The physicians are independent practitioners licensed in Puerto Rico. MedCardPR coordinates the application; the physicians make all clinical decisions independently.
What if the physician wants more information from me?
If the physician needs additional information during review, you will be contacted at the email address you provided. Respond promptly to avoid delay.
Can I request a specific doctor?
No. Applications are routed to independent licensed physicians; applicants do not select their reviewing physician.
How long does the physician review take?
Most tourist permits are reviewed within the hour after payment. In some cases it may take longer. Your permit arrives by email once the process is complete.
Ready for your 30-day visitor permit?
Flat $99.99 all-in · about 5 minutes from your phone · typically reviewed within the hour.
Apply for your 30-day visitor permit →Educational information only, current as of August 2026. MedCardPR is an application and coordination service operated by AZ Capital Holdings LLC, not a healthcare provider, dispensary, or pharmacy. We do not sell, dispense, or deliver cannabis and make no medical claims. Medical evaluations are performed by independent licensed physicians. Official permits are issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Health under Act 42-2017. Cannabis is not legal for recreational use in Puerto Rico and remains illegal under US federal law.