Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Costa Rica: What You Need to Know in 2025

Costa Rica has made history by launching a fully regulated medical cannabis program in 2025, offering new hope to patients with chronic and severe illnesses. At Medicannacr, we are committed to keeping you informed about how this new system works, so you can access medical cannabis safely and legally.

A New Era for Medical Cannabis in Costa Rica

• In 2022, Costa Rica legalized medical cannabis with Law 10113, creating a framework for therapeutic cannabis and hemp use.

• After years of regulations and preparation, medical cannabis sales officially began on June 21, 2025.

• The program mandates that medical cannabis products be sold only through licensed pharmacies under strict government oversight.

Who Can Access Medical Cannabis?

Patients with certain qualifying conditions can benefit from medical cannabis, including:

• Cancer

• Fibromyalgia

• Refractory epilepsy

• Chronic pain

• Anxiety

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Insomnia

To qualify, patients need a digital prescription issued by authorized doctors who evaluate your condition and determine if medical cannabis is appropriate.

How Does the Dispensing System Work?

• Prescriptions are electronically sent to licensed pharmacies.

• Only these pharmacies are authorized to dispense medical cannabis—traditional dispensaries do not exist in Costa Rica’s current system.

• Pharmacists verify prescriptions, check your ID, and provide important advice on use, dosing, and safety.

• This pharmacy-based model ensures that medical cannabis is treated like any other controlled medicine with professional supervision.

Benefits of Pharmacy-Only Sales

• Patients receive expert guidance from licensed pharmacists.

• The system reduces risks of misuse and unsafe consumption.

• Ensures consistency and quality control in medical cannabis products.

• Supports a safe, legal path for accessing cannabis as medicine.

Challenges and Industry Views

• Not all pharmacies currently stock medical cannabis, potentially limiting availability.

• Some patients and advocates call for the introduction of specialized cannabis dispensaries staffed by trained experts to improve access and knowledge.

• Ongoing discussions aim to balance safety with broader patient support and market growth.

Important Tips for Patients

• Schedule an appointment with an authorized doctor to get your medical cannabis prescription.

• Bring your official photo ID when visiting a pharmacy to pick up your medication.

• Understand that medical cannabis complements conventional treatments and is closely monitored.

• Be prepared to pay with cash or accepted pharmacy payment methods.

What the Future Holds

Costa Rica is at the forefront of medical cannabis integration in Central America. As more pharmacies join the program and laws evolve, patient access will improve. Continued advocacy and education are vital to expanding safe, effective medical cannabis options here.

At Medicannacr, we are here to guide you every step of the way on your medical cannabis journey. Stay informed, ask questions, and take advantage of this new healthcare tool with confidence and safety in mind.