Puerto Rico travel guide for medical cannabis permit holders
Updated August 2026
Puerto Rico's Act 42-2017 lets US-citizen visitors hold a 30-day medical cannabis tourist permit issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Health. This guide is for travelers who already have, or are planning to apply for, that permit and want a practical overview of the island, region by region. It covers what the permit authorizes, what it does not authorize, and how to plan around Puerto Rico's legal framework. MedCardPR is an application and coordination service; the permit is issued by the Department of Health, not by us.
What does a Puerto Rico visitor permit actually authorize?
A valid 30-day permit authorizes purchase of medical cannabis products at licensed Puerto Rico dispensaries during the permit window. It does not authorize public consumption. Use is broadly prohibited in public spaces, on beaches, in vehicles, and in most hotels and short-term rentals. Recreational use is illegal in Puerto Rico, and cannabis is federally illegal.
A permit is a purchasing authorization, not a use authorization for any location you choose. Always follow dispensary guidance, the property owner's rules, and local law on where products may be used. When in doubt, the compliant choice is not to consume.
Which regions of Puerto Rico should permit holders plan around?
The San Juan metro area offers the capital's concentrated mix of historic neighborhoods, beach districts, arts scenes, and an established network of licensed dispensaries. Ponce, Puerto Rico's second-largest city on the south coast, offers a distinct colonial character, quieter pace, landmark museums, and a separate set of licensed dispensaries. The two regions have different climates, logistics, and attractions.
This hub links to detailed visitor guides for each pilot region: see the San Juan visitor guide and the Ponce visitor guide in the related links below. Additional guides in this cluster cover the permit application process, cost and timeline, and where medical cannabis use is restricted throughout Puerto Rico.
What rules apply to permit holders across all regions of Puerto Rico?
Three rule sources govern permit holders everywhere on the island: Puerto Rico and federal law; the rules of the licensed dispensary where you make a purchase; and the property owner's or host's rules for wherever you are staying. Public consumption is prohibited throughout Puerto Rico. Recreational use is illegal. Cannabis is federally illegal, which means it cannot be taken onto federal land, into federal buildings, or into airports.
Rules for permit holders across Puerto Rico
| Location type | General rule |
|---|---|
| Licensed dispensary (inside) | Purchase authorized with valid permit |
| Public streets, plazas, parks | Consumption prohibited |
| Beaches | Consumption prohibited |
| Vehicles | Consumption prohibited |
| Hotels and short-term rentals | Property rules govern; often not allowed |
| Federal land (national parks, forts, federal buildings) | Cannabis federally illegal; do not bring |
| Airports | Cannabis federally illegal; do not carry |
| Recreational use anywhere in Puerto Rico | Illegal |
How do you apply for the 30-day visitor permit before your trip?
The application is online and takes about five minutes. You confirm a qualifying medical condition under Act 42-2017, upload a passport or US state driver's license and a selfie, complete an independent licensed-physician evaluation, and pay a flat $99.99 all-in. Tax and government fees are included. Most tourist permits are reviewed within the hour and emailed to you. No office visit and no Puerto Rico residency required.
- Confirm you qualify. Be a US-citizen visitor with a qualifying medical condition under Act 42-2017. Puerto Rico residency is not required.
- Complete the online application. The secure form takes about five minutes: name, date of birth, contact details, and qualifying condition.
- Upload your ID and selfie. Provide a passport or US state driver's license and a clear selfie for identity verification.
- Pay the flat $99.99 all-in. Tax and government fees are included in the $99.99 total. No add-ons, no subscription.
- Receive your permit by email. An independent Puerto Rico-licensed physician reviews your application, typically within the hour. The approved 30-day permit is emailed to you.
What is the legal basis for the Puerto Rico visitor permit?
The 30-day visitor permit is authorized under Puerto Rico's Act 42-2017 and issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Health, which is the sole issuing authority. MedCardPR is an application and coordination service; it does not issue permits or make medical determinations. All clinical evaluations are conducted by independent Puerto Rico-licensed physicians.
Last legally reviewed: August 2026. Cannabis remains federally illegal and is not legal for recreational use in Puerto Rico. The permit is strictly a medical authorization.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use my permit in multiple regions of Puerto Rico?
- Yes. A valid Puerto Rico visitor permit authorizes purchases at any licensed dispensary on the island during the 30-day window. It is not limited to a specific city or region.
- Do licensed dispensaries operate in both San Juan and Ponce?
- Licensed dispensaries operate throughout Puerto Rico, including in the San Juan metro area and in Ponce. For a current directory, the Puerto Rico Department of Health is the official authority.
- How far in advance should I apply for my permit?
- Most tourist permits are reviewed within the hour after payment. Applying the day before or the morning of your visit is practical, though applying earlier is fine too. The permit is valid for 30 days from issuance.
- What if my permit is still pending when I land?
- The entire application, physician evaluation, and permit delivery process happens online. Most applicants receive their approved permit within the hour. There is no in-person step that requires you to be at a specific location.
- Is there federal land in Puerto Rico I should know about?
- Yes. Cannabis is federally illegal and cannot be taken onto federal land anywhere in the United States, including Puerto Rico. Examples include national park sites and federal buildings. Always confirm the jurisdiction of any site before entering with cannabis products.
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 Imports 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.