CBD

Is CBD Legal in Puerto Rico? (Your Complete 2025 Travel & Shipping Guide)

Published on Dec 11, 2025 by Lindsey Goldstein

Quick Answer: CBD is legal in Puerto Rico as long as it is hemp-derived and contains less than 0.3% THC. You can fly with compliant CBD, ship it to Puerto Rico, and purchase it locally. Bring a COA, follow TSA liquid rules, and avoid unlabeled products.

You’re three days away from flying to Puerto Rico. Your CBD tincture is sitting on the counter, and now you’re stressing about TSA, legality, and whether you can even bring it. Here’s the good news: CBD is legal in Puerto Rico for both residents and visitors.

Hemp-derived products are allowed under federal law, and medical cannabis is permitted under Puerto Rico’s Act 42-2017. The catch is that what you can buy, carry, or use depends entirely on the type of CBD you’re bringing and where you’re traveling from.

Key Takeaways

CBD is legal in Puerto Rico, and compliant hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC can be flown in, shipped, or purchased locally.
TSA allows CBD in carry-on or checked bags, and tinctures must follow the 3.4oz liquid rule for air travel.
Puerto Rico recognizes out-of-state medical cannabis cards and allows visitors to purchase higher-THC products from licensed dispensaries.
Find pharmacist-formulated CBD options from Mellow Fellow to prepare for your Puerto Rico trip.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. Cannabis and CBD laws are complex and subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney regarding legal questions and a licensed healthcare provider before using CBD or any cannabinoid products, especially if you have medical conditions or take medications. The information provided reflects laws and regulations as of the publication date and may not represent current legal status in all jurisdictions.

The Federal Law

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp nationwide, defining it as cannabis with no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC. That legalization applies to all US territories, including Puerto Rico. In practice, any hemp-derived CBD product with lab-verified THC below 0.3% can be legally made, sold, shipped, and possessed in Puerto Rico without a medical card.

TSA updated its rules in 2019 to allow hemp-derived CBD and FDA-approved cannabis medications on domestic flights. Officers don’t look for CBD, and compliant hemp products won’t trigger law enforcement if found during screening.

Puerto Rico’s Department of Health regulates medical cannabis and hemp CBD separately. Medical cannabis falls under Act 42-2017, while hemp CBD is overseen through the Office for Licensing and Inspection of Hemp under federal USDA guidelines.

Puerto Rico's Medical Cannabis Program (For Visitors Too)

Puerto Rico legalized medical cannabis in 2015, later formalized under Act 42-2017. The program now supports a $278 million market and, notably, accepts medical cannabis cards from any US state. Visitors with valid cards from states like California, Florida, or New York can buy from local dispensaries without applying for a separate Puerto Rico card.

Qualifying conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, MS, ALS, Parkinson’s, Crohn’s, PTSD, chronic pain, severe nausea, and glaucoma.

For residents, the application fee is $25 and requires physician certification and Department of Health approval. Cards are valid for one year.

Can You Fly With CBD to Puerto Rico? (The Real TSA Rules)

Yes, as long as the CBD is hemp-derived and under 0.3% THC. TSA allows compliant CBD and FDA-approved cannabis medications in both carry-on and checked bags. Liquid CBD must still follow the 3-1-1 rule, meaning each bottle must be 3.4oz or less and all liquids must fit in one quart-size bag.

No liquid limits apply to gummies, edibles, capsules, softgels, or solid topicals. Hemp flower is technically legal but risky, since it looks identical to marijuana and can trigger extended screening.

Vape devices must go in carry-on only due to lithium battery rules.

To avoid issues, bring a Certificate of Analysis showing THC levels, original packaging, a receipt, or a prescription label for FDA-approved products.

The COA is your strongest protection. Most reputable CBD brands (including Mellow Fellow) provide QR codes on packaging linking directly to third-party test results.

CBD Travel Options to Puerto Rico

Product Type	TSA Carry-On Allowed	Checked Bag Allowed	Quantity Limit	Documentation Needed
CBD Tinctures/Oils	Yes (3.4oz max per container)	Yes (no limit)	Liquids rule applies	COA recommended
CBD Gummies/Edibles	Yes	Yes	None	COA recommended
CBD Capsules	Yes	Yes	None	None required
CBD Vape Pens	Yes (carry-on only)	No (battery risk)	Standard battery rules	COA recommended
CBD Topicals (creams/lotions)	Yes (3.4oz max)	Yes (no limit)	Liquids rule applies	COA recommended
CBD Flower	Yes (not recommended)	Yes (not recommended)	None (but high risk)	COA essential

Can You Ship CBD to Puerto Rico? (The Complete Answer)

Yes, absolutely. The United States Postal Service, FedEx, and UPS all ship hemp-derived CBD products to Puerto Rico because federal law classifies them as legal hemp derivatives, not controlled substances.

USPS handles the majority of CBD shipments since mail service to Puerto Rico follows the same domestic rules as shipping to any US state. Priority Mail typically takes 6-9 days to Puerto Rico, while Priority Mail Express can arrive in 3-5 days.

From Mainland US to Puerto Rico: Completely legal for hemp-derived CBD. No customs forms needed since Puerto Rico is US territory. Companies like Mellow Fellow ship directly to Puerto Rican addresses with standard domestic shipping rates.
From Puerto Rico to Mainland: Same rules apply - hemp CBD ships freely. Medical cannabis products cannot be shipped across any borders.
International to Puerto Rico: Check country-specific regulations. Many countries still prohibit CBD despite US legalization. Don't risk importing CBD from abroad.

Shipping companies may request COAs from vendors to verify THC content compliance. Reputable brands include these documents automatically with shipments.

Where to Buy CBD in Puerto Rico (All Your Options)

Buying CBD in Puerto Rico is straightforward once you know the available channels. You can order online for the best selection, visit dispensaries for expert guidance, or stop by pharmacies for basic products.

Online Retailers

Buying online provides the widest variety, full COAs, stronger pricing, and subscription discounts. Most major CBD brands, including Mellow Fellow, ship to Puerto Rico as a domestic destination. Always confirm the vendor ships to US territories.

Local Dispensaries

Puerto Rico has more than 100 licensed dispensaries in San Juan, Ponce, Mayagüez, and Caguas. They offer both medical cannabis products and hemp-derived CBD. Prices are often higher than online, but you get same-day access and budtender support.

Retail Stores and Pharmacies

Some pharmacies and health shops carry basic CBD oils and topicals, though selection is limited and quality varies. Check COAs before buying and avoid products with medical claims or unusually low prices.

CBD Product Types: What Works Best for Travel

Choosing the right CBD format for travel comes down to dosing style, TSA considerations, and how quickly you want effects to kick in. Here’s how each option performs on the go.

CBD Tinctures and Oils

Tinctures allow precise dosing and fast sublingual absorption. They must follow TSA’s 3.4oz liquid rule, but most bottles are already 1oz or 2oz, making them carry-on friendly.

Mellow Fellow Option: Rest Blend CBD Tincture (1500mg CBD + CBN) in a 30ml bottle, available in berry or mint. It fits TSA guidelines, delivers 50mg per dropper, and lasts 4 to 6 hours. Sublingual onset is 15 to 30 minutes.

CBD Gummies and Edibles

Gummies offer discreet, pre-measured dosing with no liquid restrictions. Pack them anywhere, and many travelers use pill organizers for convenience.

Mellow Fellow Option: Wellness Gummies (300mg Burn Blend), with 20mg CBD per gummy in a compact bottle. Tropical medley flavor. Effects begin in 30 to 90 minutes and last 4 to 8 hours.

CBD Topicals

Topicals provide targeted relief without systemic effects. Balms are not considered liquids, and lotions under 3.4oz are TSA-friendly.

Mellow Fellow Option: Relief Blend CBD Roll-On Gel (5000mg) in a 3oz container approved for carry-on. Cooling cucumber or lavender formulas absorb quickly, with a 10 to 20 minute onset.

CBD Capsules and Softgels

Capsules offer exact dosing, full discretion, and zero TSA restrictions since they aren’t liquids

Mellow Fellow Option: Focus Blend Softgel Capsules (600mg), containing 20mg CBD each. The 30-count bottle supports daily use during extended trips. Onset is 30 to 60 minutes with effects lasting 6 to 8 hours.

Medical Cannabis in Puerto Rico: What Visitors Need to Know

Puerto Rico's medical cannabis dispensaries offer products with significantly higher cannabinoid content than hemp-derived options - anywhere from 100mg to 1000mg+ THC per product. These require a valid medical card but provide stronger therapeutic effects for qualifying conditions.

Reciprocity Process for Visitors

Bring your medical card: Must be current and valid from a US state with a medical program
Bring photo ID: Government-issued identification matching your card
Visit any dispensary: No pre-registration required in Puerto Rico
Purchase limits apply: Typically 2 ounces of flower or equivalent per month

Medical cannabis products available in Puerto Rico include flower, concentrates, vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Smoking is prohibited under Puerto Rico law, but vaporizing is allowed in private spaces.

States With Reciprocity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico recognizes medical cards from: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, U.S. Virgin Islands.

If your state issues medical cards but isn't on this list, contact Puerto Rico's Medical Cannabis Regulatory Board before your trip to verify current reciprocity status.

Why Choose Pharmacist-Formulated CBD (The Mellow Fellow Difference)

Not all CBD is created equal. The market floods consumers with products ranging from carefully crafted formulations to essentially useless snake oil. Mellow Fellow distinguishes itself through pharmacist-formulated cannabinoid blends designed around specific wellness outcomes.

Multi-Cannabinoid Synergy

Rather than relying on CBD alone, Mellow Fellow's products combine complementary cannabinoids for enhanced effects through the entourage effect. Each blend targets specific goals:

Rest Blend: CBD + CBN (cannabinol, molecular formula C₂₁H₂₆O₂) for sleep support. CBN demonstrates sedative properties stronger than CBD alone, making the combination ideal for travel-induced insomnia.
Vigor Blend: CBD + CBG (cannabigerol, C₂₁H₃₂O₂) for energy and focus. CBG acts as a precursor to other cannabinoids and offers neuroprotective properties useful for jet lag recovery.
Relief Blend: CBD + CBC (cannabichromene, C₂₁H₃₀O₂) for pain and inflammation. CBC shows promising anti-inflammatory effects that complement CBD's pain-modulating properties.

When NOT to Bring CBD to Puerto Rico

A few scenarios warrant leaving CBD at home and purchasing upon arrival:

International Origin Flights: If flying to Puerto Rico from outside the US, international customs may confiscate CBD regardless of US legality. CBD legal status varies dramatically by country.
Layovers in Highly Restrictive States: If your connection requires leaving the airport in Idaho or similar restricted states, skip the hassle.
Expired or Unlabeled Products: Products without proper labels, COAs, or with expired dates may face confiscation. Better to purchase fresh products than risk losing old ones.
Extremely High Doses in Bulk: While no federal quantity limits exist, traveling with dozens of bottles or extremely high potency products (10,000mg+) may prompt additional scrutiny. Bring what you'll reasonably use during your trip.
Sketchy Products From Questionable Sources: If you can't verify the source, THC content, or quality, don't risk traveling with it. Puerto Rico has legitimate CBD options available locally and through reputable online retailers.

The Bottom Line on CBD in Puerto Rico

CBD is legal and widely accessible in Puerto Rico, making it simple for travelers to bring compliant hemp-derived products, fly with tinctures and gummies, or order online before arrival.

Understanding federal guidelines, TSA rules, and Puerto Rico’s medical cannabis program helps you avoid confusion while choosing the best CBD format for travel. Shipping CBD to Puerto Rico is fully legal, and reputable brands provide COAs for smooth transport and verified quality.

Selecting pharmacist-formulated blends ensures predictable effects and safer use throughout your trip. With proper documentation, smart product choices, and awareness of what not to bring, you can enjoy a stress-free visit while keeping your wellness routine on track.

The key is choosing quality products from reputable sources like Mellow Fellow, maintaining proper documentation, and following TSA guidelines for hassle-free travel.

Ready to stock up for your Puerto Rico trip?

Browse Mellow Fellow's complete CBD collection with pharmacist-formulated blends, third-party testing, and direct shipping to Puerto Rico addresses.

Looking for more information? Check out our comprehensive state-by-state CBD legal guide for regulations across all US states and territories, or read about the science behind cannabinoids and wellness to understand how different cannabinoids work together.

Need travel-specific advice? Our guides on flying with CBD gummies and CBD dosage for beginners offer additional practical information for travelers. Learn about different CBD product types and which formats work best for your wellness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use CBD Publicly in Puerto Rico?

Public consumption is allowed only for hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC. However, it is recommended to use CBD discreetly since some enforcement officers may confuse hemp with marijuana. Medical cannabis must be consumed privately, as smoking flower remains prohibited under Puerto Rico law.

Do Hotels and Resorts in Puerto Rico Allow CBD?

Most hotels have no restrictions on hemp-derived CBD since it is federally legal. Vape devices may be restricted in smoke-free rooms, and medical cannabis use must follow property rules. Always store CBD in original packaging to avoid confusion for housekeeping or security staff.

Are There Age Restrictions for Buying CBD in Puerto Rico?

Most retailers require customers to be at least 18, and some set the minimum age at 21 depending on the product type. Dispensaries will always require ID for medical cannabis purchases. Online vendors may also require adult signature confirmation depending on their policy.

Is CBD Available at Puerto Rico Airports?

Airports may sell basic CBD topicals or travel products, but selection is limited and often lacks full COAs. For quality assurance, purchase from reputable online retailers before your trip or from licensed dispensaries once you arrive. Airport retail options rarely include higher-strength formulations.

Can I Bring CBD on Cruises Departing From Puerto Rico?

Cruise lines follow international maritime law, which is stricter than US hemp regulations. Many cruise operators ban CBD entirely, even if it is compliant under the Farm Bill. Check your cruise line’s policy before boarding to avoid confiscation at the port.

Does Puerto Rico Regulate CBD Potency or Labeling?

Puerto Rico follows federal hemp guidelines but also expects accurate labeling and lab verification. Products must reflect true cannabinoid content and stay under the 0.3% THC limit. While enforcement is lighter than medical cannabis regulations, mislabeled products can still be pulled from shelves.