Puerto Rico Governor Signs Executive Order to Legalize Medical Cannabis
In an unexpected move, Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla on Sunday signed an executive order to authorize the use of medical cannabis.
Puerto Rico’s State Flag.
“We’re taking a significant step in the area of health that is fundamental to our development and quality of life,” said Governor Garcia Padilla in a statement. “I am sure that many patients will receive appropriate treatment that will offer them new hope.”
The governor has given the island’s health secretary three months to issue a report detailing how the executive order will be implemented, in addition to what future steps could be taken. The order directors the health department to authorize the use of the cannabis plant for medical use, but doesn’t give any further specifics on how the U.S. territory will go about implement the new law. Governor Garcia Padilla did note that medical cannabis is used in the U.S. mainland and elsewhere to treat a variety of ailments including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, pain associated with migraines and AIDS.
Jaime Perello, president of Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives, called the move “a step in the right direction”.
– TheJointBlog