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PS 896

Para añadir el subinciso (5) al inciso (C) y enmendar el inciso (D) del Artículo 24 de la Ley Núm. 42-2017, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley para Manejar el Estudio, Desarrollo e Investigación del Cannabis para la Innovación, Normas Aplicables y Límites (Ley MEDICINAL)”, a fin de aclarar prohibiciones con respecto a la utilización de cannabis medicinal para determinados empleados de transporte.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico clarifies medical cannabis use prohibitions for transportation workers to strengthen workplace safety and public protection standards.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 896

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 896 amends Puerto Rico's Medical Cannabis Law (Law 42-2017) to clarify employment prohibitions for transportation workers using medical cannabis. The bill adds a new subsection to Article 24 that specifies restrictions on medical cannabis use for certain transportation employees and modifies existing employment-related provisions.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses a critical gap between medical cannabis legalization and workplace safety regulations. Transportation workers operating vehicles, aircraft, or public transit systems present significant public safety risks if impaired, making clear legal restrictions essential for protecting both employees and the general population.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill may not clearly define which transportation employees are covered (drivers, pilots, dispatchers, mechanics) or what "utilización" (use/impairment) means—whether it prohibits any use or only impaired performance
  • Medical rights vs. safety: Tension between patients' legal right to medical cannabis treatment and employment restrictions, particularly for workers with legitimate medical needs but safety-sensitive positions
  • Testing and enforcement mechanisms: Unclear how employers will verify violations or distinguish between off-duty use and on-duty impairment, potentially leading to inconsistent enforcement

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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