Puerto Rico rejects smoking marijuana for medicinal purposes

Puerto Rico's justice secretary says smoking marijuana for medicinal use will not be allowed in the U.S. territory, but cannabis derivatives could be consumed in other fashions.

Cesar Miranda spoke just days after the governor issued an executive order directing the island's health department to authorize the use of some or all controlled substances or derivatives of the cannabis plant for medicinal use.

Miranda said Tuesday that the government would only give patients access to cannabis derivatives to be inhaled or used orally, such as potions or pills.

The Drug Policy Alliance called the move unfair and said it restricts patients' options.

Health Secretary Ana Rius has three months to submit a report that details how the executive order will be implemented and what future steps could be taken.

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