Bill promotes medical marijuana program at UPR Utuado

The House Education Committee, chaired by Rep. Tatiana Pérez Ramírez (third from left)

By The Star Staff

The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) Utuado Campus is set to establish a program focused on medical marijuana research and cultivation, contingent upon the passage of relevant legislation.

That proposal, known as House Bill 177, was discussed during a meeting of the House of Representatives Education Committee earlier this week, chaired by Rep. Tatiana Pérez Ramírez. The bill was introduced by Reps. Jorge Navarro Suárez and Héctor Ferrer Santiago. Its aim is to amend the Medicinal Law (Law 42-2017) to permit the UPR to develop techniques for planting and managing both marijuana seeds and imported plants.

“This is a bill that requires greater attention, so we will examine and evaluate information beyond the presentations from various agencies in order to produce a thorough report,” Pérez Ramírez said Tuesday.

Although Luis Tapia Maldonado, the chancellor of the Utuado campus, did not support the bill, he acknowledged the “worthy purpose” it could serve for the UPR. He emphasized the bill’s strengths, particularly its potential to allow individuals interested in the medicinal cannabis industry to specialize in related studies and research. He stated that the legislation could foster the advancement of professionals with expertise in medicinal cannabis cultivation, addressing new opportunities generated by that growing market.

However, the chancellor opposed the measure due to the campus’ fiscal constraints and its limited budget, which might not accommodate the implementation of the academic program as mandated. Tapia Maldonado also raised concerns about the strict legal framework -- both state and federal -- regulating medicinal cannabis use in Puerto Rico, along with the potential lack of support the legislation could receive from university authorities.

He noted that the institution must certify that it maintains a campus where drug and alcohol use is prohibited in order to receive federal funds, as required by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. Alternatively, he suggested that the UPR could pursue special licenses through the Drug Enforcement Administration for research involving controlled substances.

“The proposed project could have significant benefits that, subject to a favorable evaluation of the issues outlined above, could represent a positive and groundbreaking step for the University of Puerto Rico,” Tapia Maldonado said. “However, a more detailed study of the fiscal and regulatory implications of this measure is necessary.”

Interim UPR President Miguel A. Muñoz also expressed opposition to the measure, noting in an explanatory memorandum that implementing a program “contrary to federal law” could jeopardize the university’s accreditation. He added that approval of the bill would likely create an “adverse economic impact” on the institution and complicate the establishment of the program in a manner that is academically viable.

On the other hand, the proposal received support from the Acting Health Secretary Iris Cardona Gerena, who described it as an “invaluable opportunity” to strengthen Puerto Rico’s agricultural and research industry. The agency emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Medical Cannabis Regulatory Board, the UPR, and the private sector to ensure compliance with “the highest regulatory standards.”

“With proper planning and a strong commitment from all parties involved, this program has the potential to position Puerto Rico as a leader in the research and development of medicinal cannabis-derived medicines,” Cardona said.

Additionally, Catherine Oliver, who heads the Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration, supported the measure, describing it as an “essential strategy to advance the treatment of various health conditions and improve the quality of life for thousands of people.”