In Surprise Move, Puerto Rico Legalizes Medical Marijuana

In a surprise move, Puerto Rico’s Governor Alejandro García Padilla signed an executive order legalizing the use of medical marijuana in the U.S. territory. The order, which was heavily debated in Puerto Rico since 2013 but never put to a public vote, went into immediate effect. The Caribbean island joins 23 other U.S. states in decriminalizing medical marijuana, The Associated Press reports.

“We’re taking a significant step in the area of health that is fundamental to our development and quality of life,” García Padilla said in a statement. “I am sure that many patients will receive appropriate treatment that will offer them new hope.” The governor…